\D-3Z/ 


UC-NRLF 


S?/dMX />//#*  7 


7s<sl*AAL/, 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

Microsoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/ducalhapsdramainOOdegurich 


DUCAL 
HAPS 

A   Drama  in    Four  Acts 


FRANK    DE    GUERRE 

•     .   *  •  •  •     .  • 


SAN   FRANCISCO 

PRESS   OF  UPTON  BROS. 

IQOI 


Copyrighted    (ALL    RIGHTS    RESERVED) 

Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1901,  by  Frank  De  Guerre,  in  the 
office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C,  U.S.A. 


CHARACTERS 


Duke.     Of  Calais. 

Cedo.     Bosom  companion  of  the  Duke. 

Andrea  i  ^ia^an  I°rds>  *n  league  with  smugglers. 

Monsieur  Faeriet.     An  eccentric  citizen  of  Calais. 

Couret.     Ducal  steward— old  retainer  of  the  duke. 

Mirieux      J 

Grepieux   !■  Cooks  and  Bakers  in  the  ducal  household. 

Landieux   \ 

War  Messenger. 

Blanche.     Daughter  to  M.  Farriet. 

Adelaide.     Friend  to  Blanche. 

Laundress. 

Courtiers,  furors,  Constables,  Messengers,  Valets,  Guards,  etc. 

Scene — Sea-coast  province  of  France. 

Time — Fifteenth  Century. 


i^/U^O 


DUCAL    HAPS. 

A    DRAMA 

IN     FOUR     ACTS 


By     FRANK     De  GUERRE 


ACT  I. 

Scene.      A  Garden  with  an    Arcade  and  Palace  in  the  back 
ground. 

[Enter  Couret  and  Baker.] 

Couret. 
Youjs  in  all  reverence,  man,  speak  on — 
Yet  I  will  heed  no  further  than  my  wit 
Doth  bid  me  give  a  willing  countenance. 

Baker. 
So  far  then  heed :  That  our  beloved  Duke 
Came  rightly  by  his  state,  we  are  apprised; 
But  that  he  caters  for  the  public  weal, 
Or  seeks  to  wield  the  ducal  power  with 
That  royal — firm — unflinching  dignity 
The  populace  expect,  stands  now  in  doubt. 
As  I  sincerely  love  the  youthful  duke, 
I  would  not  have  his  motives  misconstrued, 
Yet  he  has  acted  strangely,  given  out 
So  poor  a  show  of  statesmanship  that  men 
Well  tuned  in  governing  have  marked  his  flaws. 


4  DUCAL       HAPS 

COURET. 
Be  quiet !  friend,  harp  not  so  of  the  past; 
On,  to  a  bright  and  peaceful  future  look. 
What's  past  defies  all  cure;  then  why  dilate 
On  threadbare  happenings  immured  in  doubt, 
When  presaged  ills  so  copiously  admit 
Of  themes  for  their  prevention. 

Baker.  Ah  !  You  speak 

As  did  the  great  Goliah  when  he  met 
The  stripling  David;  likely  you  may  learn 
That  simple  faults  are  sometimes  hardest  conquered. 

CoURET. 
So  craven  foes  are  best  encountered  with 
A  fierce  exterior,  a  blaz'ning  tongue 
And  confident  superiority. 
What,  if  I  stand  and  gape,  their  tongues 
The  while  browbeating  all  that  tends  to  right ! 
Should  I  in  muteness  keep  and  list  their  gab  ? 
Or  by  an  offish  independence  own 
Myself  a  party  to  their  calumny  ? 
'  Look  now,  how  pleasantly  the  plan  conceives  ! 

Baker. 
I  own  it  sets  us  in  peculiar  plights, 
Yet  have  we  no  alternative  than  that 
We  must  our  tipping  conscience  keep  within 
A  peaceful  quietude. 

Couret.  You  do  mistake, 

More  rests  with  us  than  to  assume  defense; 
Has  mighty  God  but  given  wit  to  men 
As  fenders  for  their  private  woes?     Or  has 
He  left  injunctions  on  the  precious  gift, 
Entailing  to  our  needful  like  the  gist 
Of  its  inherent  goodness  ?     Sir,  had  I 
A  cat — 

Baker. 
Aye,  if  you  had  a  thousand  cats, 

The  court  must  have  fresh  bread  !     A  plague  on  you 
I  took  you  for  a  reas'ner,  now  I  find 
You  more  affect  the  moralist,  who  once 
So  preached  unto  his  fellowmen,  that  those 
Who  but  for  him  had  kept  their  mean  turned  bout 
And  delved  in  freshly  learned  iniquity. 
Thus — craving  pity,  we  do  often  show 
The  which  we  would  not  have  our  neighbors  know. 
Peace  to  the  question  !     let  this  be  an  end, 
Though  ye  be  my  senior,  I  tell  thee  friend — 


DUCAL      HAPS  5 

More  is  there  kneaded  in  our  own  affairs, 

That  closer  on  the  duke's  existence  bears. 

Come  on,  I'll  strike  thee  in  a  better  vein, 

Before  this  subject  I  essay  again.  (Exeunt.) 

Enter  Cedo  shabbily  attired,  reading  a  letter. 

Cedo.  "  If you  would  know  a  thing  or  two" — (Faith,  I  wouldn't 
mind  a  thing  or  three) — "  that  wanders  frofn  your  routine  in  life, 
don  your  worst  clothes" — (I  was  about  to  say  I  had  no  worse  clothes, 
thinking  my  court  togs  were  all  I  owned,  but  haply  by  an  over- 
look in  well  agreeing  times  this  suit  was  left  me,) — "and  come 
secretly  to  me  to-morrow  morning.  I  will  be  above  the  arcade  at 
eight  o*  clock.  A rmand  Couret. ' ' 

Now  is  the  ordered  time  and  this  the  place, 
That  I  must  hearken  to  a  tale  so  base, 
It  raises  me  before  my  wonted  time, 
And  stands  me  shiv'ring  in  a  wintry  clime. 
Woe  unto  you  and  yours,  Armand  Couret, 
The  cost  you'll  rue  forever  and  a  day, 
If  that  you  tinge  my  hearing  with  a  yarn, 

That  boasts  no  good  nor  savors  aught  in  harm.         {Enter  Couret,) 
Ah  !  in  the  nick  of  time.     Good  morning,  friend  ! 

Couret.     Good  morning,  and  a  host  of  well  earn'd  thanks. 

Cedo. 
True  to  your  note's  most  strange  requirements, 
By  reason  of  whose  ambiquity, 
I  more  for  curiosity  than  gain, 
Attend  your  will. 

Couret.  Aye,  you  will  soon  admit 

The  profit  worth  the  venture;  know  you  this, — 
There's  not  a  domiciled  employee  on 
The  duke's  payroll,  but  doth  interpret  him 
(To  questioning  outsiders,)  as  an  ass; 
When  this  not  surfeits  they  oft  congregate 
In  whisp'ring  mobs,  and  trade  their  sev'ral  points, 
To  be  inflated  by  repeated  telling. 

Cedo. 
Why,  this  is  treason  in  its  greatest  bourne  ! 
The  very  depth  of  piracy  ! 

Couret.  And  so 

Since  his  installment  hath  the  order  been, 
No  more  our  ruler  makes  but  hath  a  rude 
Discordant  echo  in  their  criticisms. 

Cedo. 
Is  this  in  progress  now  ?     If  so  I  will 
Confront  the  scandal  mongers  and  disperse 
The  rabid  meeting  as  a  bombshell  would 


D  DUCAL      HAPS 

A  ladies'  jewel  case  ! 

CouRET.  That  were  poor  policy, 

To  thus  ignore  my  finesse,  and  scout  on 
A  thoughtless  and  impromptu  mission  bred, 
From  out  the  prejudicial  hearing  of 
A  long  matured  plan;  these  were  the  means 
That  floored  his  predecessors  and  gave  him 
The  office  he  was  born  to.     Sir,  I  watch'd 
The  former  ducal  reigning  well;  saw  when 
The  first  conspiring  seed  took  root,  Beheld 
The  many  loose  and  varied  discontents 
Accounted  nothing  by  the  noble  sires, 
Till  stood  their  midst  a  forward  nucleus 
(A  very  Gabriel  around  whom  flock'd 
Weak-kneed  dissenters  and  apostates  all), 
Then  did  they  see  their  power  recognized, 
And,  with  entire  accord  arose  and  smote 
Their  most  impotent  ruler  to  the  earth  ! 
Should  not  this  teach  the  mighty  cunning?     Ah  ! 
Ye  men  of  higher  state,  look  much  too  far; 
While  brooding  on  a  distant  phantom  fear, 
Your  stagnant  intervening  ground  doth  form 
A  nest  for  treasoning  conspirators. 
Mark  !     If  you  be  not  strong  in  your  stronghold, 
(Which  is  the  sanctum  of  domestic  weal,) 
Beware  the  outer  sieging  !     You  perchance 
May  think  I  am  a  vain,  presumptuous  wretch 
In  overstepping  so  the  hireling's  bound, 
And  leading  you;  (so  far  above  my  sphere.) 
Yet  you  must  know  the  *pirit  of  the  times 
Will  oft  necessitate  that  kings  shall  stoop 
To  be  advised  of  men,  not  worthy  of 
A  Christian  burial.     But  that  my  lot 
Would  not  allow  me  to  excite  their  ire, 
I  would  at  once  unto  the  duke  unfold 
My  knowledge  of  his  set. 

Cedo.  I  rather  would 

Believe  you  were  possessed  of  some  ill  wind 
Which  venting  crooked  truth  gives  out  a  lie, 
Then  think  (in  mercy)  you  some  part  abscind, 
That  might  a  matter  of  more  weight  descry. 

CouRET. 
Abide  your  time  before  my  say,  you  flout, 
For  shortly  will  the  mongrels  be  about, 
May  then  your  eyes  my  honest  vouchers  be, 
'Tis  hard  believing,  still,  'tis  truth  to  see. 
Look  !     Now  they  come,  nay,  stir  not  from  this  spot, 
The  sharp'st  observer  here  would  know  you  not. 


DUCAL      HAPS  7 

{Enter  Cooks,  Valets ',  Hirelings  of  the  Duke,  etc.) 

Cook. 
An  I  say  beef,  he  will  accordance  give, 
Or  what  I  choose,  it  matters  not  the  kind, 
No  sapient  stir  opposes  my  set  wish. 
I  verily  believe,  were  I  to  cook 
An  old  tann'd  hide,  he'd  eat  without  complaint. 

ist  Valet. 
'Tis  ever  so  with  me,  say  what  I  will. 
He  enters  straight  and  sanctions  it  with  gpr.  &s*yLS< 
If  he  desires  his  brown  mare  saddled  up,  r 

And  I  the  white  suggest,  (or  say  I  black 
Or  dapple  gray)  in  truth  he'll  not  protest; 
Or  should  he  order  some  light  vehicle, 
And  I  a  clumsy  cart  fetch  out,  'twill  suit, 
Or  bring  I  naught,  the  end  his  favor  spies. 
As  for  my  riggings,  they  are  always  styled 
To  suit  my  fancy — hence  my  outward  dress 
Proverbial  makes  the  common  inquiry 
"  Which  is  the  Duke  P\ 

Baker.  Most  vain  effrontery  ! 

Know  well  thyself,  proud  egotist !     and  leave 
Assumption  of  such  highborn  graces  to 
A  better  clown;  Or  if  you  needs  must  play 
At  postulation,  let  thy  goal  be 
A  mark  within  thy  limit,  lest  thy  name 
(Which  now  but  smacks  of  coxcomby,)  will  swell; 
Augment  itself  from  that  you  practice  till 
The  word  conceit  be  taken  for  't !     No  more  ! 
I  have  an  innate  loathing  of  such  men, 
Who  when  they  prate  use  loose  extremities, 
Or  when  enjoying  harmless  parley,  will 
Abuse  the  list'ners'  ear;  all  doubts  of  this 
Were  hushed,  if  you  would  but  consider  well 
The  tenor  of  his  argument  in  which 
By  tacit  vileness,  open  calumny, 
Yea,  broaching  his  lone  tenet  he  would  make 
Apostates  of  us  all !     Heed  him  who  will, 
But  I  am  for  the  duke,  and  would  not  rob 
A  better  of  his  need  !     And  so  farewell.  {Exit.) 

1ST  Valet. 
Good  friends  !     Indulge  me  but  a  moment's  time, 
In  that  I'll  prove  (by  confirmation  of 
Some  present  witnesses,)  that  I  for  truth 
Have  kept  a  strict  observance,  furthermore 
Where'er  the  tale  laid  'gainst  the  Duke,  I've  let 
The  rugged  juttings  of  pernicious  truth, 
In  silence  seem  as  virtues;  for  conceit 


8  DUCAL      HAPS 

Ask  neighbors  hereabout,  and  with  my  life 
I'll  stand  the  bout  of  your  enquiring  minds  ! 

2D  Vai,et. 
Aye,  marry,  it  no  easy  matter  is 
To  slight  agreement  with  our  gracious  Duke; 
Why  oft  (in  whims  of  contrariety,) 
His  orders  with  impunity  I've  cross'd, 
Persuading  him  from  his  avowed  intent. 
As  he'd  no  right  to  be  an  epicure, 
But  like  a  peevish,  sickly  child  fresh  wean'd, 
Has  appetite  to  suit  some  elder  sage  ! 
And  thou,  old  pastry  !     Give  free  vent,  I  say  ! 
How  rides  the  subject  of  our  chat  with  thee? 
When  thy  deft  fingers  and  thy  slimy  art 
Doth  stock  the  showing  of  thy  labor  with 
Vile  properties;  doth  make  the  leaven' d  bread 
To  vie  in  heft  the  heaviest  lead,  doth  singe 
The  cookies,  waffles,  and  the  butter  cakes — 
Leave  to  the  rage  of  an  ill-governed  flame; — 
When  these  and  more  of  like  similitude, 
Are  by  your  grace  committed,  How's  the  wind? 
Conforms  he  to  thy  grave  mishaps?     or  chides  he  thee, 
That  sober  looks  sit  on  thy  floury  phiz  so  well? 

Couret. 
Nay,  lay  it  on  when  I'm  the  butt,  and  tune 
Thy  wriggling  tongue  as  inclination  prompts; 
But  spare  thy  manhood  when  the  subject  is 
(By  gleanings  of  thine  own  account,)  a  man 
Empowered  with  a  might,  the  bent  of  which 
Could  purge  thy  life  of  pleasure,  yet  prefers 
To  give  a  pleasing  acquiescence  where 
Thy  happiness  requires.     'Tis  scurvy  sport 
To  lightly  treat  a  matter  of  such  moment, 
To  mock  an  infant  Duke,  who  bears  himself 
As  aged  dukes  ne'er  did  before;  Who  looks 
So  carefully  to  thy  content,  he'd  give 
No  order  past  thy  will. 

2D  Valet.  Thou  speakest  aright, 

I  am  in  all  abash'd.    When  spoke  I  so 
I  lacked  thought,  but  now  I  think,  and  lack 
A  tongue  to  rear  excuses  for  my  gab. 

ist  Valet. 
And  may  his  tongue  lose  pow'r  of  speech,  who  first 
Speaks  illy  of  the  Duke  ! 

{Enter  Laundress.) 
Couret.  Ah  !  pretty  maid— 

(Give  her  good  greeting  friends.)    What's  out  of  tune, 


DUCAL      HAPS  9 

That  your  initial  visit  falls  upon 
So  cold  a  morn  ? 

Laundress  Our  loving  Duke's  astir, 

And  walks  about  with  solemn  deathlike  tread; 
And  looks — I  know  not  how,  so  very  strange; 
His  laughing  merry  look,  is  sternly  changed 
To  one  of  gloomiest  perplexity; 
He  eyed  me  straight,  yet  saw  me  not,  else  would 
He  nod  or  speak  to  me;  So  he  pass'd  on, 
So  did  he  gaze  on  ev'ry  common  thing. 
His  right  arm  raising  skyward,  then  his  left, 
Next  followed  both  in  wild  confusion,  or 
A  seeming  supplication  to  his  God; 
Belike  he's  crazed,  or  hath  some  troublous  ill 
Too  deeply  rooted  in  his  mind. 

Cedo.  Crazy ! 

COURET. 
How'er  the  sequel  is,  from  this  henceforth 
His  pleasure  be  my  study. 

Laundress.  Thanks  Couret. 

1ST  Valet.    And  mine, 
2D  Valet.  And  mine, 

3D  Valet.  And  mine. 

Couret.  So  are  we  all 

Bent  on  his  future  happiness;  and  home 
For  him  will  be,  as  home  should  be. 

Laundress.  Well  said  ! 

If  done,  why  better;  now  with  right  good  will 
We'll  to  our  tasks.  {Exeumt  all  but  Cedo.) 

Cedo.  Hum  !  what  a  measly  set ! 

The  making  of  a  man  not  'mongst  the  lot 
Mireux — he  spoke  the  which  abounds  in  flaws 
And  staled  it  by  a  repetition;  then 
Grepieux — no  brighter  wit  has  he  than  have 
The  common  herd;  but  as  a  man  in  debt 
Is  ever  loudest  mouthed  he  must  perforce 
Maintain  dull  silence  or  too  soon  expose 
The  whence  of  his  intelligence.     Who's  next? 
Landieux,  Ah  !    Yes,  thy  mouth  should  give  thee  room 
What  if  thy  form  were  well  proportioned  to 
Thy  roomy  mug — I  then  were  but  a  flea  I 
Alas  !  methinks  the  gods  deformed  thee  so, 
That  flies  in  lieu  of  men  might  fear  thee  ! 
Then  Jean — within  the  pale  of  his  bright  wit 
Lies  his  deceit — the  very  lowest  wretch  ! 
To  pose  himself  an  equal  of  the  Duke  ! 


IO  DUCAI,      HAPS 

Ungrateful  wretches  all  !     Was  it  for  ye 

The  Duke  subserved  his  regal  dignity  ? 

I'll  never  think  it, — but  concoct  a  means 

Whereby  to  segregate  the  malcontents, 

Or  All — the  whipping  post  and  banishment.  (Exit) 

{Enter  Duke  in  sombre  meditation.) 

Duke. 
A  dream  !     A  weird  imagination  !     All ! 
Why  give  it  sober  thought?     Yet  am  I  help'd 
To  this  grave  state,  by  truths  I  cannot  pass, 
Nor  doubt  with  cause,  so  vivid  were  they  set 
And  played  to  life  in  my  mind's  recreation; 
With  tireless  zeal  and  utmost  nicety, 
It  pick'd  my  closest  courtiers,  saving  few, 
And  cast  them  in  a  glowing,  bungi'd  heap, 
With  placards  o'er  each  one,  on  which  were  written 
Some  J earful  vice  suggestive  of  the  man; 
Methought  I  saw  a  gaunt  ungainly  frame 
Arising  from  a  cloud  of  raging  fire  ! 
From  out  his  mouth  there  leapt  a  brace  of  tongues, 
Like  serpents,  fork'd,  that  spat  white  heat; 
With  arms  outstretch' d,  and  piercing  eyes  askant, 
He  showed  his  loathing  of  the  blemished  mass; 
Then  on  me  turned  his  hideous  ghostly  glare, 
Distorted  features  and  his  warning  hand, 
Conjuring  me  (in  awe-commanding  tone,) 
Revise  my  ways  and  wield  my  sceptre  with 
More  seeming  grace;  Then  paused  as  'twere  to  gain 
New  fledg'd  momentum  for  another  sally; 
And  I  (transfixed  with  horror  there  withstood) 
His  fixed  stare,  bereft  of  speech  and  motion  ! 
Anon,  he  opes  his  lips  !— Thunder  outnois'd ! 
Pandemonium  !     Ye  gods  forbid 
My  ears  shall  list  another  of  the  kind ! 
So  highly  season'd  with  severe  rebukes — 
My  ev'ry  good  transformed  to  vilest  ill, — 
My  ev'ry  studied  judgment  silly  prov'd 
All  trusted  friends  adjudg'd  enemies; 
Where  saw  I  meanest  faults  virtues  appear'd; 
Where  saw  I  purest  virtue  reigned  faults; — 
Contraries  mingled — similars  undone; — 
Alternate  freezing,  boiling  dire  extremes, , 
Wag'd  to  their  highest  pitch,  when  nature's  laws 
O'erstrained,  deposed  his  cruel  tenancy 
To  yield  me  freedom  of  a  waking  hell ! 
Lives  there  a  cause  within  this  wretched  world 
So  oft  beset  with  grievous  ills  as  mine  ? 
Heir  to  the  realm  !     A  duke,  alas  a  duke  ! 
Much  rather  would  I  be  a  brainless  pimp, 


DUCAL      HAPS  II 

Or  some  contented  knave  of  equal  worth, 

Than  as  I  am  and  jealousied  the  title, 

In  whose  drifts  I  meet  my  malcontent ! 

All  hallowed  peace,  sweet  mother  of  content ! — 

Come  share  with  me  thy  soothing  potent  spell, 

And  shield  me  from  my  aggravating  self! —    * 

The  soul-entrancing  charm  of  thy  depute 

Like  sweetest  perfume  on  the  senses  steals; 

Drowns  all  woes  in  soundless  seas, 

Pares  all  ill  to  joyous  weal, 

Kneads  to  love  all  bitter  hate, 

And  crowns  thee  queen  of  goodness  ! — 

Yet  I  am  not  for  thee,  nor  thee  for  me; 

While  seeming  that  I  am,  I  better  prove 

That,  I  am  not.     If  ev'ry  man  were  put 

Where  bides  his  proper  talent,  where  would  I  ? 

But  here  alack,  by  fortune's  faulty  act 

I  am  a  duke,  and  being  duke,  must  duke  it. 

What  ho  !     I  have  a  melancholic  mate  ! 

He  comes  this  way — his  passage  I'll  await. 

'Tis  said  that  men  in  trouble  go  in  grooves 

Or  act  as  counterparts; — So  in  his  moves 

Will  I  as  in  a  truthful  mirror  see 

How  insignificant  a  duke  may  be. 

(Duke  steps  aside.) 

{Enter  Barto.) 

Barto. 
Full  three-score  times  have  I  this  arbor  pass'd  ! 
Full  three-score  times  have  I  in  wonder  glared 
Upon  this  empty  space,  that  now  should  hold 
For  my  distress  a  living  comforter ! 
I'll  call,  perchance  he  doth  so  closely  watch 
The  doubtful  standing  of  my  business, 
Our  rendezvous  slips  from  his  mind;  Andreas  ! 
Andreas  !     Voice  to  the  wind  that  hither  brings 
Naught  but  a  mocking  echo.     Patience  !  patience  ! 
But  'tis  a  wearing  article:  in  me 
Now  worn  past  remedy;  for,  lacking  doubt 
'Tis  past  the  'pointed  hour  by  a  half, 
Yet  does  he  truant  play.     Would  he  were  here. 

*        *        *        *        *        *        {Paces  the  garden.) 
The  worst  were  preferable  this  suspense  ! 

{Enter  Andreas.)     . 

Most  welcome  sight  !     proclaim  thy  longed  for  news  ! 

Andreas. 
Bluut,  honest,  friendship  my  apology 
For  being  pert,  and  starting  on  the  point 


12  DUCAL      HAPS 

That  bears  most  heavy  on  the  matter. 
With  less  ado  I'll  to  the  end,  or  to 
The  ultimate  beginning  of  the  end; — 
I  sped  to  Mileneux  by  thy  commands, 
Sought  out  thy  factor  there,  when  in  a  whiff, 
Without  a  question.he  thy  all  did  tell, 
As  if  'twere  fact  substantial,  past  all  doubt, 
Thy  lately  blasted  ventures,  blighted  hopes, 
Bxtol'd  he  to  their  furthest  boundary, 
Intending  rather  to  convince  of  loss, 
Then  buoy  thy  spirits  falsely.     All  thy  ships 
Unto  the  dukedom  now  are  confiscate, 
Aye,  all  as  contraband  the  state  has  siez'd; 
Even  now  the  messengers  are  arrived, 
Who  voyage  here  this  matter  to  unfold. 

BARTO. 

Straight  to  the  Duke  will  they,  then  whither  I? 
For  when  'tis  known,  'twere  better  I  should  die 
Than  be  upon  so  dire  a  purpose  standing, 
Twixt  life  and  death,  meat  for  fools  bandying. 

Andreas. 
Yea,  when  'tis  known,  may  then  you  seek  your  grave  ! 
But  they  no  implicating  knowledge  have 
Of  you,  of  yours,  or  tangible  effects, 
So  their  report  (with  you)  bounds  in  defects. 

Barto. 
Then  all  is  verity  !     My  God,  that  I, 
Who  in  the  ducal  favor  ranks  most  high, 
And  entertain'd  no  title  short  of  Sir  ! — 
That  I  whom  kings  and  queens  have  audienced, 
Aye,  knighted  for  my  comely  mien,  where 
Undoubted  valor  rusted  for  a  glance  ! — 
That  I,  whose  word  was  deem'd  sufficient  bond 
For  sums  involving  princely  fortunes,  should 
To  penury  by  one  mishap  be  cast ! — 
The  step's  too  great !     too  great !     Still  must  I  yield 
To  decorate  a  niche  in  pauperdom  ! 

Andreas. 
Sh— Barto,  Less  of  this !     'Twere  follies  heighth 
To  brood  on  that  where  is  no  earthly  help; 
Ne'er  saw  you  hills  but  valleys  did  abound, 
Nor  aught  in  purity  beyond  a  flaw, 
Nor  mortal  state  that  mock'd  not  constancy. 
And  would'st  thou  grasp  unchanging  nature's  laws 
To  make  a  mutable  defective  toy, 
Whereon  the  cravings  of  thy  lot  may  feed  ? 
Would'st  pass  what  was,  what  is,  and  will  be  ?     No  ! 


DUCAL      HAPS  13 

So  sure  as  water  seeks  the  downward  grade, 
You  on  no  bed  can  lie  save  that  you've  made ! 

Barto. 
Thou  niock'st  me  with  effects;  pray  quickly  turn 
To  present  causes,  where  they  touch  upon 
A  future  circumvention. 

Andreas,     {aside.)  (I'll  play  it  harsh, 

Or  seem  it  so,  and  wean  him  from  this  gloom.) 
What  should  I  say,  that  gives  thee  not  offense? 
Years  have  you  liv'd  a  lie,  made  all  believe 
The  costly  manner  of  thy  keeping, — the  style 
And  number  of  thy  banquets,  the  product  of 
Royal  annuities  as  boundless  as 
The  unfound  treasures  of  the  earth;  whereas 
To  foot  thy  honest  gainings  would  not  show 
The  value  of  a  penny. 

Barto.  Tut!     Tut!  man, 

Have  done  with  this,  I'm  in  no  mood  for  lectures, 
Straight  to  the  point ! 

Andreas.  How  now,  philosophy  ! 

Creeps  on  the  climax  with  such  toward  speed, 
That  here  a  mind  in  melancholy  breath'd, 
By  followed  respiration  delves  in  anger? 
By  my  true  soul,  this  is  the  sort  of  mood 
That  betters  good,  diameters  the  girth, 
Strips  can't  of-T — and  makes  the  will  the  might. 
I  fear  me  much,  were  I  to  stand  and  wait 
The  winter  through  I  would  not  stumble  on 
A  more  befitting  moment  to  divulge 
The  import  of  the  motion  I  would  make. 
Know  then  the  true  effects,  ere  I  recount 
The  queer  erratic  manner  of  the  cause; — 
If  fortune  favors  it,  earth's  heaven's  yours; 
But  should  it  fail,  hell's  fire  holds  no  heat 
That  singes  where  thy  downfall  will  consume  ! 

Barto. 
Out  on  you  for  a  babbler  !     Say  no  more  ! — 

Andreas. 
'Twere  better  left  unsaid  than  said  without  effect; 
I  know  no  course  of  thy  avail,  but  marriage. 

Barto. 
Why  surely  friend  Andreas  you  are  distraught ! 
I  know  but  half  a  month  and  that's  my  all, 
So  save  my  prestige,  should  the  limit  fail. 
Escape's  my  only  chance;  so  please  project 
Some  quicker  move  than  now  thy  lips  command. 


14  DUCAL      HAPS 

'Andreas. 
Know  you  old  Farriet? 

Barto.  I  do;  so  far 

As  gossip's  tongue  gives  knowledge  of  a  neighbor; 
The  people  say,  (and  rightly  too  I  think) 
He  is  a  man  within  himself  retired; 
Has  few  acquaintances  and  fewer  friends; 
Is  misanthropic  and  possessor  of 
More  wealth,  than  any  dweller  in  the  land. 

Andreas. 
And  is  the  sire  of  as  sweet  a  maid, 
As  rare  a  group  of  virtue's  choicest  gifts, 
As  e'er  on  French  soil  trod;  She  may  be  called 
A  Venus  resurrected  for  her  shape 
Which,  when  compared  with  other  inborn  charms, 
Flies  quickly  from  the  eye  of  criticism. 

Barto. 
Most  like,  but  what  imports  her  many  charms 
That  bodes  us  aught  for  our  advantage  ? 

Andreas.  All — 

Each  sep'rate  Christian  grace  reveals  a  point 
Which  aids  us  in  our  purpose;  as  she  lacks 
So  Ho  we  lack;  were  she  less  than  is  she, 
Our  task  were  harder,  but  as  she  now  is, 
Her  pure  warm  heart  bears  molding  at  our  will. 

Barto. 
Now  can  I  tell  the  vane  on  this  wild  wind, 
Yet  for  a  starting  move  I  am  perplexed. 

Andreas. 
I  have  an  idea  (if  you  think  no  better,) 
We  will  adopt  and  furnish  speedy  motion. 
>traightway  before  the  duke  I  will  produce 
Some  score  or  so  of  affidavits  (made 
By  men  within  the  Holy-See  entrenched.) 
That  Farriet  has  long  unloyal  been; 
That  he  by  virtue  of — well  we'll  invent — 
Doth  stand  amenable  to  common  law. 
What  can  the  duke,  but  cause  imprisonment  ? 
Then  for  your  courting;  His  fond  daughter  will 
With  pleading  tongue  the  court  besiege;  urge  all 
To  save  her  father;  which  entreaty  none 
(Not  e'ven  the  lowest  vassal  of  the  court) 
Would  harken  to;  Then  yield  your  sympathy; 
Make  known  to  her  thy  power  o'er  the  duke, 
Which  for  her  father's  cause  you'll  aptly  wield, — 
Fill  in  with  all  the  tender  ifs  and  buts 


DUCAL      HAPS  15 

So  soothing  to  dejected  minds, — Condole 

In  all  the  many  ways  that  love  (if  there)  would  grasp. 

If  played  aright  this  cannot  fail 

But  breed  for  thee  success; 

Her  maiden  heart  will  turn  to  thee 

And  virgin  love  confess. 

BarTO. 
Come  then,  let's  home,  and  this  plan  we'll  mature 
Though  rife  with  grave  faults,  it  is  slow  and  sure. 

{Exeunt.     Barto  and  Andreas.) 

Duke. 
Hear  I  with  other's  ears,  or  have  I  borrowed  eyes? 
Is  this  the  sequel  of  my  wretched  dream 
Or  dream  I  on  and  think  I  wake  ?     But  no ! 
My  senses  with  undaunted  pith  now  play; 
What  e'er  I  take  in  hand  I  know  its  feel. 
Or  that  mine  eyes  reflect,  I  know  its  sight; 
Still  I  would  fain  believe  the  lie  !     Barto, — 
My  yokemate  and  my  dearest  friend,  a  fraud? 
Impossible  !  and  yet  'tis  true,  else  would 
He  mouth  a  firm  denial  when 
That  scheming  villainous  poltroon  exposed 
The  trick  of  his  apparent  welfare. 
Alas  !  when  he  who  shares  my  bosom  thoughts 
Turns  traitor  and  connives  at  benefit, 
On  whom  can  I  rely? 

Enter  Cedo.     (Properly  attired) 

Cedo.  Yours  truly  my  lord 

What  is't  that  troubles  you?     Confide  in  me 
As  do  the  ladies  all,  find  me  but  one 
Who  links  mistrust  with  my  grave  title,  I 
Will  give  thee  leave  to  go  barefoot;  Aye  more 
Cite  me  an  adult  male  who  airs  me  ill 
His  face  I  warrant  you  as  black  as  coal 
Or  featured  like  an  owl.     {aside)     (I'm  out  of  tune, 
The  senseless  jabber  of  a  chattering  ape, 
A  frequent  source  of  pleasure,  now  annoys.) 
My  lord,  I  am  not  that  I  seem,  I  have 

An  other  self — a  silent  partner  here,  {placing  hand  on  heart) 
Who  will  betimes  (despite  external  show,) 
Assert  supremacy;  And  quick  to  grief 
Is  he,  aye  quicker,  and  you  free  my  boast, 
Than  any  of  your  count;  and  so,  all  thine. 

Duke. 
Thanks  for  your  proffer,  but  I  have  no  need; 
Mine  being  but  a  fancied  ill,  brooks  not 
The  same  condolence  as  a  living  fact. 
Suffice  it;  all  my  reign  has  been  a  farce, 


1 6  DUCAL      HAPS 

That  through  the  revelations  of  a  dream 
I  come  to  know  myself,  my  friends,  my  foes, 
My  acts  both  good  and  bad,  here  lies  my  woe. 

Cedo. 
I've  held  thee  better  than  this  say  would  warrant 
And  if  'twere  back'd  not  by  effusions  of 
More  sound  portent,  I'd  reason  thee  insane; 
Why  dreams, — are  but  the  wanderings  of  minds 
Badly  stomached;  as  such  they  should  be  treated 
Not  'power'd  with  a  speck  of  realism 
Or  ever  troubled  with  an  after  thought. 
Were  I  to  tell  the  thousandth  part 
Of  the  frivolities  I've  dream'd, — 
Of  many  chasms  I  have  leapt, — 
Of  surging  rivers  savely  swum, — 
Of  the  aerial  flights  I've  tak'n, — 
Of  scorching  paths  painlessly  trod, — 
Of  beatings,  smoth'rings  I've  endured 
Whilest  Morpheus  possess'd  my  mind; 
That  stolid  look  would  quit  thy  face, 
Thy  mouth  would  fly  its  firm  set  phase, 
To  find  a  quirk  fit  company 
For  thy  light  mirth. 

Duke.  Good  friend,  adjourn  ! 

My  trouble  hath  a  better  prop  than  that 
I've  broached  to  thee  :    Mark  me,  seest  thou  two  men 
Beyond  the  garden  rail? 

Cedo.    *  I  do,  my  lord; 

And  if  my  vision  prove  not  false,  they  are, 
Within  thy  galaxy  the  brightest  stars, 
Lord  Barto  and  his  satellite  Andrea. 

Duke. 
Go,  shadow  them,  (And  if  thou  wouldst  confirm 
Thy  boasted  love,)  lose  not  a  sight  of  them. 
Mark  thou  their  slightest  move  as  'twere  an  act 
Endangering  the  lives  of  all  thou  lovest. 
Have  thy  report  indited,  plainly  writ', 
That  I  may  keep  it  as  a  silent  witness. 

Cedo. 
I've  heard  of  mothers  doubting  sons, 
Of  sons  their  fathers  killing; 
Of  jesters  angling  for  their  puns 
A  brother's  lifeblood  spilling — 
But  by  the  A  in  tar,  this  breach  of  trust 
Doth  seem  the  blackest,  having  precedence 
O'er  all  I  know  of, — Come  now,  'tis  a  joke? 


DUCAL      HAPS  17 

Duke. 
If  jokes  be  nurtured — fostered  thus,  then  this 
May  be  so  call'd;  And  I  would  have  it  played 
According  to  my  diction,  so  begone  ! 
Do  as  I  bade  thee  ! 

Cedo.  E're  thy  echo's  spent 

I'll  on  thy  mission  be  what  e'ver  is  meant.  {Exit.) 

Duke. 
This  then  my  fixed  course  hereafter  be, 
Judge  men  by  what  I  know,  not  what  I  see. 
Now  will  I  nurse  the  plot  with  all  amain, 
Though  in  the  lie  I  lose,  in  truth  I  gain.  {Exit. ) 

Scene  Second — Room  in  Farriet's  house. 
{Enter  Blanche  followed  by  x\dei<aide.) 

Ada. 
Baah  !     Virtue  earneth  not  its  own  reward 
Until  'tis  tried, — There  is  no  more  in  grace 
Than  is  by  grace  perform'd, — They  have  the  right 
To  be  enroll'd  amid  the  pure,  who  know 
The  pleasures  of  a  sin — who  crave  its  joys, 
Yet  with  great  effort  curb  their  appetite, 
And  shun  enticing  sweets  for  virtues  sake. 
Who  could  not  be  a  saint  who  would  immure 
Herself  within  such  walls; — bedim  her  ej^es 
Bedwarf  her  mind, — and  stint  her  vernal  course 
For  fear  that  she  might  knowledge  gain,  and  thus 
Descry  more  force  in  sin  than  she  could  cope : 
Such  petty  ignorance  has  no  excuse 
In  this  advanced  age  !     Go  to,  my  sweet, 
Perplex  the  wise  and  learn  the  road  to  wisdom. 

BLANCHE. 

Now  Adelaide,  this  is  a  say  unkind; 
I  asked  not  to  be  canonized,  nor  yet, 
Have  I  in  thought  or  simplest  act  assum'd 
That  I  a  single  christian  grace  possess'd 
Not  found  among  the  poorest  of  your  set. 
And  in  opinion  I  would  be  no  more 
Than  you  or  any  honest  girl  who  tries 
To  earn  a  virtue  through  a  sin's  aversion. 

Ada. 
Right!     She  who  slides  all  faults  must  virtue  hold. 
And  yet  full  knowledge  of  iniquity 
Promotes  a  lasting  good;  The  which  to  gain 
Must  find  thee  student  to  a  diff 'rent  school. 
I  cannot  aptly  chide  to  those  who  weigh 
My  weakest,  tamest  words  so  heavily. 


1 8  DUCAL      HAPS 

True,  what's  big  fun  for  the  little  ones  is 
little  fun  for  big  ones;  Tastes,  you  know,  will 
differ,  but  twixt  our  likings  there  is  such  a 
marked  variance,  it  urges  me  to  think  you  are 
beyond  your  teens; — For  truly,  Blanche,  you  act 
like  an  antiquated  maid  who  being  denied  the 
marital  fondling  takes  to  the  petting  of  a  parcel 
of  brutes — cats,  dogs  and  poll-parrots;— and 
tiring  of  these,  puts  her  hands  in  mourning  by 
ploughing  up  the  ground  about  some  decrepit 
fuchsia,  verbena  or  other  outlandish  plant. 
Now  all  these  attentions  are  unappreciated, 
— your  plants  will  bloom,  fade,  and  die  betimes; 
— your  cat's  tail  will  not  bear  a  treading,  and 
your  poll  will  exclaim  at  most  unseasonable 
times. 

Why,  do  you  know 

A  tithe  of  these  endearments  lavished  on 

The  coldest  most  impassible  of  men, 

Would  make  his  frigid  liver  glow  and  change 

Him  to  the  silliest  slave  of  passion  ? 

Blanche. 

Friend,  counsel  me  not  so  !     I  would  nor  could — 
Not  seek  a  pleasure  through  the  course  of  pain. 
Nor  will  I  be  convinced  that  you  would  for 
A  transient  joy,  inflict  a  lifelong  woe. 

Ada. 
Stay,  Blanche;  you  judge  too  harshly  of  my 
notion.  For  by  the  grace  of  love  you  have  no  right 
to  judge;  you — who  by  your  own  admission  have 
been  imprisoned  within  these  walls  since  your  birth, 
and  have  never  endured  an  hour's  company  with 
the  sterner  sex.  How  long,  pray,  does  your  dear 
anchorital  papa  intend  that  you  shall  play  the  nun  ? 

Blanche. 
No  longer  than  I  will  it. 

Ada. 

Then  will  it  no  longer,  Blanche,  for  my 
sake, — come  and  enter  the  world;  come  taste  its 
joys  and  view  its  sorrows. 

Blanche. 

You  ask  no  more  kind  friend  than  I  -would  grant 
If  in  the  granting  aught  for  good  were  gained. 


DUCAL      HAPS  19 

Ada. 
Where  be  the  ill — and  if  no  ill  what  then  ? 
On  fire  we  can  gaze  and  not  get  burnt. 
Make  this  stale  fact  most  vividly  appear 
Within  the  ambit  of  thy  father's  ken 
And  his  permission's  granted  ;  for  the  rest 
Six  moons  will  find  you  in  a  husband  blest.  [Exit.) 

Blanche. 
Why  should  I  party  be  in  such  desires  ? 
Where  midst  my  range. of  neighbors  can  I  see 
More  comforts — pleasures  than  abide  with  me? 
O,  friend  !     Why  didst  thou  urge  me  in  a  sort 
That  giving  aye  or  nay  in  my  retort? 

{Enter  FarrieT.) 
Misleads  devotion  from  its  native  wend 
And  wrongs  a  father  to  oblige  a  friend. 

Farriet. 
Good  daughter  here — for  lack  of  day,  the  night 
(Time's  truant  substitute,)  doth  yield  the  hour 
I  gravely  pledged  diurnally  to  save 
For  our  conjunctive  weal  and  interchange 
Of  sweetest  confidence;  Not  for  a  trick 
In  business  would  I  my  promise  break, 
No  !     Nor  for  the  weightiest  matters  casual. 
The  cause  that  renders  my  excuse,  is  blank, 
'Tis  neither  here  nor  there,  but  'tis  a  thing  {exhibits paper) 
Of  most  uncertain  seem,  being  thrown  in 
When  business  waning  I  was  free  to  look. 
And  look,  and  think  I  did,  and  now  peruse; — 
Anon  my  child,  ere  you  this  paper  read, 
Uncloud  thy  face,  no  penance  will  I  veer, 
For  staying  hence,  when  promise  bound  me  here. 

Blanche. 
Kind  father,  right,  but  I'll  no  penance  lay, 
You  do  so  rarely  slip  your  plighted  word 
I  cannot  now  be  strict, — Yet  for  a  boon 
I'll  press  the  deepest  fount  wherefrom  vou  spurt 
Your  most  endearing  shows, — Be  now  in  dread — 
My  wish  it  is  to  enter  in  the  world  ! 

Farriet. 
My  sweetest,  I  had  rather  thou  hads't  crav'd 
The  fauna  of  the  frigid  zone,  the  bud 
And  blossoms  of  centennial  plants,— aye,  each 
And  ev'ry  rare  exotic  and  sweet  fern, 
That  wakes  huge  effort  or  commands  great  price  ! 
La  !     How  I  prate  !     As  though  my  selfish  love 


20  DUCAL      HAPS 

By  thus  advising  you  did  help  itself 

To  its  most  wish'd  for  state — not  so  my  child — 

Not  thine  for  me,  but  ever  mine  for  thee; — 

The  order  of  my  life  doth  this  avouch. 

What  that  you  would  have  I  not  then  procur'd? 

No  thought  of  cost,  of  time,  or  other  part 

Did  lose  a  gift  to  thee  within  the  bounds 

Of  mother  nature,  wherein  all  pleasure  bides, — 

None  find  without  elysian  joy  unchang'd. 

Hast  quite  forgott'n  the  brace  of  lines  I  taught 

When  you  with  famished  ears  gave  heed?     If  so 

I'll  tell  them  o'er  that  you  may  choose  anew, — 

"  Those  who  in  nature  seek  for  pleasure 

Ne} er  find  content  beyond  their  measure." 

He  has  a  glove  indeed  that  fits  all  hands, 

Yet  here  is  such  a  one  possess'd;  no  ill 

But  finds  appeasement  in't;  No  crescent  hope 

But  is  companion'd;  and  your  preacher  too, 

Is  here  to  his  discredit  shown;  his  best 

Is  bettered  and  his  opiated  saws 

In  brevity  and  dumbness  are  delivered. 

Then  why  seek  out  what  is,  unsought  for,  found, 

Be  blest  in  that  you  have  and  fly  the  sin 

That  lustre  gives  the  world  and  sends  thee  shade. 

Fie  on  my  age !  my  dotage  I  might  say, 

That  strives  to  check  a  course  of  nature,  which 

The  roll  of  years  must  instance  !     Have  thy  wish, 

With  my  unbiased  permit  you  can  now 

Devote  your  time  unto  society. 

Blanche. 
Believe  me,  I  would  rather  have  a  no 
In  kindness,  than  a  yes  so  rudely  giv'n. 
Hush  we  the  matter  now,  ere  long  you  may 
Report  me  with  a  freer  will. 

Farriet.  No  child, 

I  never  yet,  nor  ever  shall  debar 
You  from  your  slightest  wish;  though  I 
May  seem  ungraciously  to  yield  in  this. 

There  is  no  effable  or  unvoiced  plea,  {Passes  paper  to  Blanche) 
Could  make  me  waver !     For  this  parchment,  you 
Must  read — misunderstanding, — question, — I 
Will  then  my  own  interpretation  give. 

(Blanche  reads.} 
''Friend  to  the  cause  and  right  support;  {for  so 
By  acclamation  thou  art  here  proclaimed} 
We  humbly  thank  thee  for  the  favors  past 
And  give  thee  greeting  ever;  Our  numbers  now 
Are  threbVd,  as  a  consequence  our  arms 


DUCAL      HAPS  21 

Do  fall  ten  thousand  short  in  an  equipment, — 
Which  deficiency  our  present  urgent  needs 
Co?npel  submittance  to  thy  bounteous  self; 
Do  but  forward  the  means,  and  fry  thy  hint 
We  will  the  duke  overthrow  fore  this  day  week. 

(P.  S.) 

The  Farriets  are  soldiers  of  the  sword, 
Of  little  talk  and  much  ado, — our  note 
I  hope  will  so  be   Ta?  en. 

Jean  Lelieviere." 
Means  this  not  something  more  than  these  stray  lines 
Upon  their  face  suggest  ? 

Farriet.  A  treason  sure 

Would  this  in  any  court  be  call'd,  and  I 
No  more  transgressor  than  the  babe  unborn, 
Am  stuck  here  to  receive  it;  Who  should  send 
So  queer  a  message  to  me,  I  could  not 
Upon  my  life  give  sating  answer;  That 
I  know  of  this  foul  Lelieviere  falls  short 
Of  commonest  report.     But  this  I  know — 
The  sender  of  this  note  doth  mean  me  harm  ! 
And  meet  it  is  that  we  destroy;  Go,  child, 

Despatch  it  in  the  flames.     {Loud  and  continued  knocking  with- 
out, then  enter  several  constables). 
How,  now  !  Have  we  no  servants  'bout  the  place 
Can  keep  such  base  intruders  out  the  gates  ? 
Wherefore  !  Wherefore  !  Rude  men  !  mock  ye  the  law  ? 
If  so  ye  do,  it  shall  be  answered  well ! 

ist  Con. 
Mark  men  how  ill  he  apes  the  saint  !     The  law — 
(Thou  base  conspiring  knave  !)  doth  only  err 
In  thus  permitting  thy  most  wicked  life  ! 
If  'twere  not  so,  thy  wind,  ere  now  were  cut. 
What  may  this  be  ?  {snatches paper  from  Blanche). 
Lay  to — I'll  wage  it  is 
A  scrip  divulging  new  unheard  of  crimes, 
That  he  with  cursed  lucre  has  perfom'd, 
(Through  mediums  in  beggary),  under 
The  most  alert  and  omnipresent  ween 
Of  our  force  :    Oh  Treason  !     Bind  him  !     We 
A  fearful  danger  brave  by  gazing  on, 
When  he,  perchance,  hath  here  confederate  hid, 
Well  drilled  in  bloody  butcheries  ! 

{Enter  B auto). 

Barto—  Hold  slaves ! 

Have  ye  no  care  for  age  nor  thought  of  youth, 
That  ye  a  simple  summons  of  the  court 
Cannot  deliver  without  such  dire  abuse  ? 


22  DUCAL      HAPS 

Unhand  him.     I  will  answer  to  the  Duke 

For  all  that's  deficit  in  your  commands. 

March  out,  and  whilst  you  are  upon  these  grounds 

Make  you  no  more  of  your  authority 

Than  circumstances  warrant. 

1ST  Con.  Here,  my  lord, 

Look  you  on  this  and  then  be  judge  of  us, 
If  we've  oe'rdone  what  we  are  sworn  to  do, 
This  paper  backs  us  in  excuse,  if  not 
We  then  not  understand  our  oath  of  office. 

(Exeunt  Con). 

Barto. 
That  soon  will  be  considered,  and  for  this  (presenting paper) 
Good  neighbor,  friend,  it  reads  quite  harsh  for  you. 
For  love  of  truth  you  are  not  fed'rate  to 
Such  men  as  Lelieviere  ?     It  cannot  be 
That  you  would  daily  risk  foreclosure  of 
Such  beatific  home-born  charms,  to  league 
With  vandals  in  a  losing  cause? 

Farriet.  Quite  fight, 

No  more  know  I  of  this  vile  business, 
Than  that  this  forged  writing  found  its  way 
Into  my  inner  office,  there  I  first 
Knew  of  the  matter,  then  my  daughter  read, 
And  whilst  in  very  act  of  reading,  we 
Were  here  (but  now,)  by  thee  and  thine  aroused. 

Barto. 
The  Gods  forfend  I  should  be  party  to 
Such  rude  unchristian  acts  !     1  fain  would  rate 
Thy  sterling  friend  :     Behold  a  present  proof 
This  damning  note  I'll  rend  ! 

Blanche.  No,  no,  kind  sir, 

To  much  you  hazard  by  so  brave  an  act ! 
Aloof  from  jeopardy  in  our  behalf 
Thou  canst  well  keep  and  still  our  friendship  earn  : 
For  hast  thou  not  already  offered  up 
Thy  oath'd  allegiance?     And  will  yet  allow 
A  good  intention  to  mislead  thy  sense 
In  further  bootless  service  for  our  loves. 
By  the  destruction  of  this  paper,  which 
Was  scanned  from  end  to  end  by  that  same  man 
Who  led  the  rabble  thither;  For  our  loves 
Thy  first  commanding  word  did  borrow  them, 
Never  to  be  return' d. 

Farriet.  What  sir,  in  words 

May  well  express  thy  hold  on  me,  I  am 
Most  grievously  at  fault; — The  afterclap 


DUCAL     HAPS  23 

(If  such  there  ever  be)  must  me  resolve 
And  there  enact  what  now  I  cannot  speak. 
And  good  daughter,  thou  hast  ask'd  to  see 
The  flitting  mazes  of  this  wicked  world; 
See  them  thou  shalt  in  all  varieties, 
From  very  lowest  depth  to  highest  heighth; 
From  thieve's  existence  to  a  noble's  life; 
Aye,  thou  shalt  have  a  pane  ramie  view 
Of  all  the  golden  splendors  and  mock  shows, 
That  render  up  thy  fantasy — the  world. 

BLANCHE. 

Please,  father,  do  bespeak  me  difPrently  ! 

Farriet. 
I  would  I  were  not  able  to  denote  thee — 
That  thy  pure  mother  had  as  maiden  died, 
So  my  humility  were  left  unshar'd  ! 
On  !    Jailer  on,  we  tarry  much  too  long  ! 
Farewell,  >-weet  child  !     Kind  daughter  Blanche  farewell  ! 
No  child  was  ever  more  affectionate, 
Nor  did  unbidden  offer  more  than  thou, 
Adieu,  my  sweetest  only  friend,  adieu  ! 


ACT  II. 

Scene  I. — Room  in  P "a lace ,  furnished  with  Secretary,  etc. 
(Cedo  and  Andreas,  encircled  with  Jurors,  discovered.) 

Cedo. 
Friends,  sirs,  in  all  but  this;  had  you  pursued 
A  legal  trend,  as  it  doth  sort  you  should, 
We  even  now  were  friends,  and  one  poor  soul, 
That  through  your  insane  verdict  scarce  hath  time 
To  eye  his  fate  and  make  his  peace  with  God, 
Were  yet  with  loyal  heart  and  honored  age 
Sweet  liberty  enjoying  ;  Whereas  he  dwells 
In  ftriT  anticipation  of  his  death. 
Upon  a  floor  of  stone,  begirt  with  walls 
The  Cyclops  hammer  could  not  phase  ;  his  bed 
Of  boards  the  soft  side  none  can  find,  his  stool 
Repentance  of  an  uncommitted  crime. 
O  sirs  !  how  could  you  so  mistake  yourselves 
As  one  unto  the  other  weld  your  thoughts, 
And  yield  in  unison  a  verdict  which 
No  more  effects  the  case  in  hand,  than  doth 
The  highway's  fork  affect  the  river's  mouth  ? 

ist  Juror. 
Being  sworn  in  we  were  in  honor  bound, 
Our  verdict  to  deliver  as  the  batch 


24  DUCAI,      HAPS 

Of  witnesses  deposed.     How  then  could  we 
(If  so  we  will'd)  another  verdict  give? 

Cedo. 
Yes  !  Yes !  Ye  don  the  form  of  justice,  yet 
The  spirit  lags  and  ye'll  not  tarry  for't  ! 
All  evidence  educ'd,  commanded  or 
Enforced  by  cross-examination  is 
With  equal  poise  received  ;  The  worth  of  him 
Who  testifies,  the  manner  of  his  speech, 
And  manifold  auxiliaries  that  gauge 
The  weight  and  force  of  testimony,  ye 
Do  pass  unseen,  and  think  ye  truly  act 
The  laws  of  justice, — She  who  is  indeed 
Blindfolded  and  possess'd  of  scales.  O,  men  ! 
Where  were  your  better  parts  when  you  pronounc'd 
So  harsh  a  sentence  for  so  cade  a  show 
Of  criminal  intention  ?     Could  it  be — 
That  you — But  no,  I  must  awhile  withhold 
What  I  should  say. 

Aw,—  Eh  ? 

Cedo —  Good  sirs,  adieu. 

{Exit  Cedo). 

ist  Juror. 
My  fellow  jurors,  it  doth  stand  us  well 
To  hear  but  few  expressions  of  this  tone  ; 
Indeed,  methinks  the  safer  course  would  be, 
To  hie  us  earshot  hence,  lest  by  a  slip 
Some  of  our  number  may  themselves  commit 
And  lay  all  liable. 

2nd  Juror.  'Tis  well  propos'd, 

And  touches  near  our  thrift,  to  ruminate 
How  best  to  part  and  whither ;  Another  put 
In  such  a  key  as  was  the  former  part 
Of  this  well  earned  censure,  I  had  leak'd 
The  dregs  of  goodness  I  yet  own,  and  spilt 
This  goodly  number  all  to  scaffold  drops. 
Think  then  how  frail  uncertain  is  our  course, 
When  we  do  daily  such  assailments  brave, 
As  our  best  reason  tells  us  must  betime 
Extort  an  inadvertent  self  confession.   , 

ist  Juror. 
To  Havre  then  I  do  propose  we  sail, 
And  from  there  severally  go  to  ports 
Whence  we  (if  need)  may  here  be  quickly  summon'd. 
How  is  it  friends,  do  we  in  this  agree  ? 


DUCAL      HAPS  25 

Au,—  Yea  !     Yea  ! 

Andreas. 
Then  hence  with  expedition  go  ! 
About  the  court  will  I  remain,  and  post 
You  speedily  on  what  may  yet  befall 
The  working  of  our  plan.     So,  now,  away  ! 
Ivo — where  the  worthy  Barto  comes,  and  he 
(More  like  a  woman  than  a  man)  is  of 
Such  tender  facile  ways,  he  would  ill  brook 
A  jury  late  employ'd  in  such  gross  kind. 

ist  Juror. 
Come  haste'  we  to  embark  ;  I  would  not  be 
Encountered  so  again,  for  thrice  the  fee 
Our  services  command. 

{Exeunt  all  but  Andreas). 

Andreas.  Thus  will  a  word 

Emboss'd  with  knotty  ifs  and  counter  buts, 
Seduce  the  safest  upright  man  who  treads 
The  portals  of  the  court ;  Forsooth,  poor  fools, 
To  give  the  lie  is  often  to  withhold  the  truth, 
And  yield  its  zemblance,  So  thy  promis'd  fee 
Insured  thee  stable  footing  in  the  court ; 
This  shall  ye  have,  until  the  hangman  come 
And  claim  ye  for  the  crossroads;     (Enter  Barto  followed  by  Cedo, 

who  hides  himself.)  which  i*  when 

Ye  strive  to  clog  the  axe  whereon  revolves 
Our  wheel  of  fortune.     Ah  !     Most  timely  met — 

Barto. 
So  do  thy  looks  foretell; — If  by  an  eye 
(The  bright  forerunner  of  the  mind's  tumult,) 
We  may  be  judge  of  what  is  there  contained, 
Ye  should  have  merry  news;  Out,  then  retail ! 
What  'tis  that  furrows  so  thy  youthful  face 
And  makes  thy  very  aspect  clownish  like, 
With  saving  of  a  pent-up  tale  ! 

Cedo  {aside.)  Out  pen  ! 

May  Heaven  guide  my  hand  ! 

Andreas.  Think  then  ye  have 

The  sweetest  harmony  the  fates  devise 
Twixt  mankind  and  an  earthly  enterprise, 
The  jury  which  you  bid  me  to  beguile 
With  visions  of  a  phantom  purse,  did  smile 
And  wonder  I  (who  had  such  fearful  might,) 
Should  seek  to  buy,  what  they  through  fright 
Would  be  too  apt  in  charity  to  give. 
Thereon  the  foreman  spoke,  as  'twere  to  sieve 
The  thoughts  of  all, — thus  did  he  spurt  himself — 


2  6  DUCAL      HAPS 

11  We  are  no  friends  of  Farriet,  nor  is  his  pelf 

More  to  us  than  the  treasures  of  the  moon, 

Being  so  well  inurn'd  it  were  as  soon 

By  us  acquired;     On  the  other  line 

Courtly  prefer metit's  sibyls  shine 

In  augury  most  truthful;  Which  you  choose 

Of  these  two  courses,  must  the  other  lose: 

Shall  Mammon's  golden  messenger  now  flit — 

Or  shall  the  life  of  Farriet  be  quit  tu 

The  answer  made  you  did  on  enl'ring  guess; 

But  matter  appertaining,  which  doth  press 

As  close  as  will  allow  a  leader  lead, 

You  yet  have  not  surmis'd.     If  you  can  feed 

(Without  disgorging  on  a  stomach  stock'd,) 

Some  food  I  have  within  my  larder  lock'd, 

That  is  most  pleasing  to  your  palate; 

As  we  go  farther  on  I  will  relate.  {Exeunt.) 

[Forward  Cedo,  with  paper  in  hand.) 

Cedo. 
Thus  far — nor  more  beyond  must  I  be  led. 
The  day's  well  on,  the  hour  draws  nigh,  when  this 
The  voucher  of  a  fortnight's  vigil  must; 
Be  clear  reflected  in  my  master's  eye. 
Poor  sight !     An  eyesore  sure  to  scholar'd  minds; 
A  schoolboy's  essay  smoother  reads;  A  howl 
From  deck  to  topmast  choicer  language  has 

O,  for  a  poet's  pen,  to  this  abridge 

And  set  to  music  of  the  ducal  strain  ! 

As't  spells — *•  Dock's  in, — Dock's  out, — Dock  came, — Dock  went:" 

A  record  plain  of  facts,  which  I  have  bulg'd 

(On  strength  of  lame  deducements  I  had  drawn,) 

To  such  outlandish  size,  it  seems  I've  drown'd 

An  unborn  being  in  a  dry  millpond  ! 

(Enter  Duke  and  attendants,     Cedo  gathers  up  papers.) 

Duke. 
I  would  be  now  alone.  (Exeunt  attendants.) 

Stay;  Cedo,  is 
The  task  I  late  commanded  you  discharg'd  ? 

Cedo. 
What  little  substance  legs  could  track, 
And  my  poor  wit  contain,  herein  you'll  find  inscrib'd. 
What  is  embellish'd  look  you  is  the  truth 
No  less  for  its  adornment;  There  be  some 
Could  make  a  foot  of  news,  where  I  an  inch 

Can  scarce  eke  out;  notwithstanding  I  (Enter  Page.) 

Have  used  my  best  endeavors  'gainst  the  fault. 


DUCAL      HAPS  2 

Duke.     How  now?     (  To  Page.) 

Page. 
The  prisoner's  daughter  waits,  and  craves  immediate  audience. 

Duke.  Bid  her  to  home  ! 

Cedo.     One  moment,  you.     {To  Page.) 

My  liege  (with  bended  knee 
And  inner-soul  so  pityingly  wrought 
In  this  recall,  the  force  of  surface  seem 
Howe'er  so  strongly  posed  could  not  o'ermatch,) 
I  do  enjoin  you  by  the  writ  you  hold, 
(Yet  stay  the  reading5)  either  to  rescind 
Your  order  on  this  maid,  or  here  erewhile 
Endure  thy  page,  whilst  you  may  suffer  through  't. 

Duke. 
Rise,  brother;  rather  work  in  bold  command 
Than  grovel  in  supplication,  when 
The  mitigation  is  derived  of  us. 
What !  is  our  friendship  held  in  such  repute 
That  life's  demotic  courtesies  are  stopp'd, 
Unless  poor  suers  ye  to  us  extend, 
The  manner  of  your  prayers!     Friend,  be  you 
Our  criered  messenger;  Impart  thy  will 
An'  if  it  run  athwart  our  very  life 
We'll  not  deny  !     {Nods  to  page,  who  exits.) 

Cedo. 
Then  thus  I  do  advise — 
That  you  allow  this  maid  a  hearing,  and 
If  she  should  chide,  to  bear  the  chiding  as, 
You  in  a  joke  the  victims'  grumbling  weigh. 

Duke.      ^& 
Enough!     I  w&  anticipate  your  charge, 
And  will  its  wants  most  zealously  attend. 
Go  you,  escort  the  daughter  here,  and  then 
Put  in  completion  what  you  have  begun, 
For  yet  in  embryo  it  is,  when  see 
The  jailbirds  are  unhatch'd.  {Exit  Cedo.) 

Of  all  that's  crude", 
This  is  the  crudest!     Done;  when  scarce  begun, 
Yet  wearing  in  the  germ  !     But  to  my  chore, — 
How  shall  I  here  confront  this  maid?     What  talk 
May  she  that  I  with  glibness  cannot  meet? 
Should  she  my  judgment  rail  or  here  discourse 
In  broad  virago  mouthings,  I  could  find 
In  balking  her  a  childish  pleasantry; — 
But  should  she  come  in  virgin  modesty, 
Her  tongue  within  her  quest,  I  then  must  act 
A  fabe  beseeming  which  in  forethought  is. 


28  DUCAL      HAPS 

{Enter  Blanche.) 

Too  harsh  foi  sound  reflection.     Now  she  comes. — 
And  as  the  northern  frosts  make  greatest  show 
On  southern  sides,  in  sunny  time  I'll  shady  be. 
{Busies  himself  with  papers,  with  back  to  Blanche.) 
Well, — fair  intruder,  what  may  I  for  you  ? 

Blanche. 
Most  gracious  lord, — what  need  have  I  for  words 
To  break  the  object  of  my  visit  here? — 
Too  well  you  know  the  motive  or  if  not 
Turn  here  thy  gaze,  and  if  you  see 
No  answer  for  my  coming,  I  will  say 
I  sue  to  be  denied. 

Duke     [aside.)     (Ye  gods!  how  sweet ! 
Can  human  larynx  pour  such  dulcet  rhythm 
Into  the  ear  of  man  uncharm'd  ?     O,  no  ! 
If  she  be  fashion'd  as  her  tongue  gives  note, 
I  am  about  face  with  an  angel  sure  ! 
Be  yea  or  nay  the  premises,  I  am 
To  turn  and  face  her  with  severity ,) 
Come  you  (as  do  the  many,)  to  pervert 
The  staid  impartial  working  of  our  law  ? 

Blanche. 

Nay  !     Nay  !     So  well  my  father  did  instill 

The  spirit  of  our  statute,  I  could  plead, 

No  more  for  him  if  guilty,  than  I  could 

Deforce  you  of  him  were  his  crime  most  patent ! 

But  as  intuitively  I  do  know, — 

(Aye,  by  all  trips  that  warrant  fact,) 

He  is  in  fealty  so  staunch,  his  mind 

Did  never  harbor  rebel  thought,  I'd  break 

My  wind  in  urging  his  behalf! 

Duke.  The  law 

Was  open  to  recourse,  and  he  the  means 
To  have  the  best  of  legal  talent  had. 

Blanche. 
O  !  Sire,  it  boots  me  not  to  know  the  wake 
Of  haps  to  me  and  mine,  self-evident, 
Yet  not  to  be  averted.     Sir,  have  you 
Not  heard  of  men  so  loose  in  morals,  they 
Would  traffic  with  their  oaths?     Oh,  I  have  read 
In  Christian  works  of  such!     May  it  not  chance 
The  like  of  this  is  here  embodied?     Think. — 
How  weak  the  truth,  how  strong  the  lie;  when  'tis 
A  man  not  well  in  public  favor  tried. 


DUCAI,      HAPS  29 


Duke. 
Silence  !     Ill-mannered  and  ungrateful  maid  ! 
Has  here  the  court  upon  probation  sat 
With  you  as  judge  of  judges  ?     Now  beshrew 
Thy  mode  of  playing !     When  thou  seest  I  lean 
To  suit  thy  hurt,  thou  actst  the  pampered  child; 
But  when  thou  seest  there  yet  remain  a  cut 
(Which  I  in  pity  must  descant,)  you  swerve 
The  weight  of  argument  and  prate  along, 
As  though  I  ne'er  had  spok'n. 

Blanche.  Oh,  you  so  great ! 

So  noble !     Wise  !     Discreet !    can  ye  not  tell 
Betwixt  a  mock  and  true  ?     How  shall  I  act 
If  not  as  now?     If  other  ways  there  be 
That  swifter  move  the  tender  faculties, 
I  know  them  not;  My  Way  a  simple  child's, 
Who  craves  a  father's  life  and  that  but  half, 
For  he  hath  scarce  the  power  of  a  leg. 

Duke. 
Enough  !     By  highest  known  tribunal  was 
Thy  father  tried  and  guilty  proven, — more — 
His  late  accusers  are  my  safest  friends 
And  men  whom  I  well  know. 

Blanche.  Well  know  !  my  lord  ! 

Know  you  what  'tis  to  know  a  7tian  in  full? 
Is  it  to  be  his  better  or  in  state 
So  well  intrench'd  his  fear  is  of  thy  love, 
His  pleasure  of  thy  sport,  his  bread,  thy  bounty? 
Nay  !  Nay  !     To  probe  the  depth  of  friendship,  you 
Must  have  a  lack  of  what's  his  plenty  and 
Your  need  most  sore — and  out  of  favor  be 
Yea  minus  all  that  makes  men  idolized, 
And  rather  sets  them  in  the  way  of  scorn; 
He  then  who  takes  thy  many  blows  himself, — 
Who  damps  thy  parched  lips, — Who  stays  thy  ill 
Or  will  assauge  the  pain,  though 't  pain  himself; — 
Who  spills  thy  cup  of  grief  e'er  it  o'erflows 
Though  by  the  spilling  he  were  drown'd  in  woe; — 
He  then  befriends  and  is  the  man  you  know; 
All  others  rank  acquaintances  and  wait 
The  trial  of  a  doubt.     Have  then  thy  friends 
Their  well  acknowledged  sorting  with  thyself 
Earn'd  by  the  threading  of  this  thorny  path  ? 
Oh,  sir  !     Have  they  unto  thyself  shown  aught, 
That  you  should  deem  their  breath  infallible? 

Duke. 
Give  way  !     I  have  some  show  of  temper,  girl, 


30  DUCAL      HAPS 

'Twere  best  you  put  not  iu  the  contra  way  ! 

BLANCHE. 

Why  then,  to  me,  did  you  the  court  forbid? 
Ah,  had  you  not  withheld  that  privilege, 
By  dint  of  truth  I'd  make  them  own  the  lie, 
Before  'twas  uttered,  confound  their  tongues 
And  make  each  tell  a  sep'rate  tale,  so  free 
And  foreign  to  a  smooth  connection,  they 
Would  cravenly  denounce  their  mouths  as  false  ! 
Oh,  sire  !     Be  merciful !     A  king  in  title, 
Not  in  heart; — A  fearful  giant  in  might, 
Not  in  acts; — Oh  turn  ye  not  so  coldly ! — 
Give  me  sweet  heed, — forget  the  while  you  are 
A  mighty  ruler  whom  the  world  demands 
Shall  be  of  cold  and  haughty  temp'rament ! 
Let  nature  sway,  and  respite  give  to  him  . 
Who  most  unjustly  is  condemned  to  death  ! 

Duke. 
[Aside)     Oh  perfidy  !  to  plague  so  pure  a  soul ! 

BLANCHE. 

Have  you  no  answer,  sire  ? — or  may  I  hope 
Thy  lack  of  speech  portends  a  sweet  reply  ? 

Duke. 
You  girl !     Dissemble  !     What  an  ear  I  have 
To  heed  your  prattle,  justice  will  be  done, — 
Begone  !     I  will  reflect  your  argument. 

BLANCHE. 

Heaven  bless  you  !  my  lord,  I'll  not  forget 

To  name  you  in  my  prayers.  [Exit.) 

Duke.  Oh,  linger  still ! — 

Nay,  go  sweet  maid,  and  yet  I'd  have  thee  stay, 
Though  you  should  chide  the  while;  La  !     I  would  have 
Thee  weeks  a  chiding  e're  I'd  tell  thee  go, 
Could  I  but  mask  my  visage  which  did  bend 
A'most  to  breaking  at  each  searching  word, 
That  you  most  righteously  gave  utterance  ! 
Methinks  thou  hast  about  this  spot  diffused 
A  holy  atmosphere,  whose  purity 
Pervading  all,  hath  so  transported  me, 
My  spirit  soars  in  ecstacy  ! — Oh  saint 

Thou  wert  not  wrought  for  this  cold  world, — those  eyes — 
Were  made  to  view  celestial  sights, — those  ears — 
To  harken  heav'nly  strains, — those  dainty  feet 
To  pace  a  road  this  earth  doth  not  afford. 
Sweetheart  ye  do  remind  me  of  a  one 
That  I  (save  in  a  fancy,)  ne'er  beheld, — 


DUCAL      HAPS  31 

An  angel  mother  !     Ah  !  who  so  well  knows  her 

As  he  who  hath  her  not,  And  you  do  seem 

Pier  very  picture,  loving,  gentle,  kind, 

Thy  soul  engross'd,  thy  heart  enlisted  in 

A  pure  and  holy  cause,  a  saint-like  task — 

The  saving  of  a  harden'd  father's  life  ! 

A  father ! !     What  if  here  a  lover  were, 

And  I — that  he  ?     Ye  gods  !  a  happy  thought ! 

Why  not  act  on't  ?     She  is  incarnate  and 

She  may  be  won  !     All  hail  the  theme  !     Yet  if 

Her  fond  affections  I  do  now  enchain, 

I  win  her  not,  for  she  doth  woo  a  man 

More  great  than  I,  yet  he  excels  not  me; 

And  I,  Alack  !  must  by  intrinsic  worth  be  won, 

Yes,  yes  !     She  shall  be  fairly  wooed,  and  I 

For  what  I  am  be  won  !     {Rings  bell.) 

{Enter  Page;.) 

Send  hither  he 
Who  stands  committed, — let  none  other  come 
Till  I  have  pass'd  a  word  with  good  friend  Cedo  !       {Exit  Page.) 
What  may  be  done,  to  him  will  I  impart, 
For  there  be  none  so  mete  as  he,  to  share 
The  burthen  of  my  newborn  thoughts. 
{Enter  Cicdo.) 

Cedo.  My  lord  ! 

Duke. 
Come  nigher,  friend,  I  have  a  thing  to  say 
I  would  not  trumpet  to  the  world;  Step  close; — 
Be  not  so  formal,  it  doth  wear  you  ill 
When  in  our  lone  companionship.     The  time 
(With  you,)  for  cringing,  bolts,  when  state  affairs 
Are  pass'd,  and  vulgar  eyes  no  longer  look 
To  such  as  thee  for  precedents.     Look  you, — 
Within  this  hour  and  day  most  strange  I'll  act, 
Things  now  apparent,  yea  on  the  tapis  will 
Right  suddenly  be  chang'd;  What  seems  most  like 
Is  not  to  be;  The  snake  his  skin  has  shed 
And  strangely  donn'd  another,  In  short  the  writ 
You  have  of  late  compiled,  was  by  me  known, 
E're  it  was  penn'd.     Looks  not  this  strange,  good  friend  ? 
Yet  this  a  much  too  tame  precursor  is, 
To  signal  that's  to  follow,— but  anon, — 
That  now  I  would  apprise  thee  of,  is  this — 
What  in  the  eye  of  many  odd  appears, 
Take  you  as  'twere  no  hap  unusual, 
And  render  it  a  fact  anticipated; 
Let  naught  nonplus,  nor  let  your  mien  change , 
Though  I  do  set  thee  proxy  to  myself 
And  fare  thee  well  forever ! 


32  DUCAL      HAPS 

Cedo.  Good,  my  lord, 

You  do  command  but  little,  yet  you  do 
Assign  by  far  beyond  my  worth  ! 

Duke.  Trust  me, 

I  stake  no  more  in  chance  than  fact  has  prov'd; 
So  is  the  measure  if  I  choose  }^ou  stead  me, 
It  shall  be  your  best  pleasure  to  comply. 

Cedo. 
Be  you  assur'd  I'll  strive. 

Duke.  Nay  that's  the  doing  !— 

Haste'  you  and  prod  the  jailer  here. 

Cedo.  My  lord, 

He  is  without,  and  comes  this  way  along 
With  Farriet  in  chains,  and  mobb'd  about 
With  courtiers;  Mongst  the  morbid  crowd 
I  do  espy  Andreas  to  Barto  link'd, 
Right  closely  followed  by  the  foreman  juror. 

Duke  [aside).  (Ah  !  'tis  truly  said — "  Ther're  bonds  as  strong 
Twixt  lowborn  knaves,  as  purest  virtue  boasts." 
(Enter  Barto,  Andreas,  Farriet — Courtiers,  etc.) 
Now  will  I  take  of  devil's  text  a  lease, 
Wherewith  I  may  a  goodly  saw  express,) 
Stand  here  the  pris'ner !     What !     Is  this  the  he 
Who  at  defiance  sets  our  law,  who  reeks 
A  breath  defensive  whiles  he  gives 
His  purse  and  pen  unto  the  vile  offenders  ? 
Had  I  no  proof  'bove  sight  I'd  say, — he  hath 
No  sign  of  danger  on  him. 

Farriet.  Spare,  my  lord  ! 

This  with'ring  vim  !     My  scope  of  life  were  short 
E're  this  sad  hap  befell,  but  since,  God  wot, 
It  hath  no  length,  for  thou  dost  kill  it  by 
Harsh  words  in  kindly  setting. 

ist  Courtier.  What  a  taste 

His  honor  hath  for  tender  usage  !     Why — 
He  shies  his  bolt  as  he  were  judge, 
And  we  a  band  of  sinners  for  his  clemency  ! 

Farriet. 
Oh  Heav'nly  Host !     Will  this  my  suff'rance  be  ! 
To  be  the  butt  for  jester's  gall? 

2d  Courtier. 
Why  old  Centrifugal !     How  you  do  fly 
From  off  your  center  !     Look  you  now,  he'll  have 
Us  felloes  to  a  lightning-hub 
And  wheel  us  quickly  on  to  Beelzebub ! 


DUCAL      HAPS  33 

FARRIET. 
Avaunt !     Ye  double  damn'd  scourgers  !     Datnn'd  ! 
For  holding  of  a  caste  unearn'd  !     Damn'd  ! 
Misusing  thus  !     Go  spend  thy  flippancy 
Upon  thy  aged  parents  whom  I  take 
Are  more  deserving  ! 

Duke  {aside).  Grave  unerring  conscience, 

True  umpire  of  the  soul,  give  me  in  sin 
A  feint,  that  I  distemper  may  affect 
And  meanly  use,  what  most  I  do  revere  ! 

FarriET. 
If  it  be  fair  in  question,  give  me,  sire, 
Solution  of  my  new  arraignment  here; 
Will  not  thy  pass  at  justice  be  appeas'd, 
'Till  that  each  vulgar  minded  courtier  has, 
With  bitter  taunting  irony  assail'd 
The  pris'ner's  sense  ? 

Duke.  Out  of  custom  this, 

So  is  thy  crime,  hence  is  this  license  bred; 
Which  to  subdue,  thyself  art  hither  brought. 
Deliver  me  opinions  of  thyself 
That  have  not  this  prescription,  then  'twill  cease. 

Farriet. 
I  am  no  fond  declaimer,  I, — My  art, 
No  art,  concealing  manlike  attributes, 
Enlarging  viciousness, — my  error  is 
In  rigid  truth,  which  at  its  best  deludes. 
For  what  I  should  pronounce,  I  can  but  say, — 
Ev'ry  man  hath  his  way,  and  mine,  my  lord, 
Hath  color  none,  save  that  I  shift  not  with 
The  common  klan,  nor  do  I  strive  to  see 
With  all  men's  eyes,  and  therefore  am  I  scorn'd, 
Aye  scoff'd  and  jeered,  when  lauled  I  should  be  ! 
Child  !     Boy  !     Thy  father's  call  to  arms 
Did  ever  find  a  ready  soldier  here  ! 
Not  one  bell  toned  that  made  his  deeds  his  boast ! 
But  of  the  few  who  staid  their  leader  by 
And  when  the  cause  was  lost, — thy  father  dead, — 
This  fair  land  by  the  vile  usurper  ruled, — 
His  ideal  being  would  no  longer  give 
Assurance  to  the  ducal  pow'r,  but  grew 
Into  the  woe  engend'ring  life  I  lead  ! 
Good  sir!     My  speech  I  hope  doth  not  entreat ! 
If  so,  'tis  much  against  my  will;  Albeit 
My  life  is  forfeit;  You  have  but  to  name 
The  moment  of  my  send-off  and  'tis  done  ! 


34  DUCAL      HAPS 

Duke. 
With  thee,  thy  daughter  then,  hath  found  no  thought? 

Farriet. 
Why  lift  me  from  the  willing  throes  of  hell, 
To  blast  me  with  a  heavenly  flash  and  sour 
My  resignation  !     Hath  my  woe  no  mete? 
Oh,  sire !     If  you  do  ever  seek  to  wear 
An  age  as  great  as  mine,  let  but  thy  mind 
Conceive  its  woes  compounded  in  a  one, 
And  this  at  once  upon  thee  thrown,  when  thou 
Against  art  least  insured,  then  thou  wilt  feel 
A  pang  less  keen  than  now  writhes  me.     My  soul ! 
Have  thought  on  her?    Ye  Gods,  dumb  strike  me  if 
I  unalloyed  a  thought  beget  that  she 
Claims  not !     Aye  all  is  hers  !     So  kind  !  so  pure  ! 
Inapt  at  sinfulness,  such  moral  pride, — 
So  much  a  girl, — so  near  a  goddess,— she — 
A  child  immortal  God-like  paradigm — 
Not  of  this  world  in  that  she  passeth  sin. 
My  lord — say  you  no  more, — do  that  you  should, 
Not  make  me  to  myself  subordinate. 
If  needs  thou  makest  pastime  of  mine  ill 
Do  crack  thy  bubble  from  another  sud. 

Duke. 
Thou  art  indeed  well  favored  in  thy  child; — 
And  pity  'tis,  some  loyal  spark  of  her 
Were  not  infus'd  in  thy  rebellious  ways  ! 
Right  royally  she  sued  disloyally, 
And  hath  prevailed,  insomuch  thou  art  free 
To  go  thy  ways  'till  that  the  court  shall  find 
An  evidence  more  tenable; — Meanwhile 
Within  thy  house  (in  state's  behalf,)  I'll  lodge 
Some  trusty  servant  who  shall  access  have 
To  thee  and  thy  belongings;  Further  thou 
Shall  certify  a  bond  in  all  thy  worth: 
Wilt  thou  then  think  upon  the  proposition  ? 

Farriet. 
My  lord,  I  humbly  thank  thee  and  accept. 

Duke. 
Release  the  prisoner  !     Give  him  redress, 
See  you  he  hath  a  safe  conveyance  home. 
Have  yet  our  messengers  of  war  return'd  ? 

(Exit  Farriet,  Guards,  etc.) 

Page. 

My  lord,  they  are  at  hand  awaiting  ca  1, 


DUCAL      HAPS  35 

Duke. 
Tell  us  how  our  advances  were  received, 
Do  they  embrace  a  peace? 

ist  MESSENGER.  My  lord,  we  scoured 

From  line  to  line  the  country  round,  and  saw 
No  head,  to  whom  we  might  impart  our  charge, 
That  we  discovered  new  is  of  such  form, 
'Twere  lost  in  the  expressing,  implied,  it  tells 
Most  treasonous.     Our  simplest  questions  met 
Equivocating  answers;  none  who  knew 
Would  help  us  as  we'd  speed,  and  so  we  come 
To  have  fresh  order. 

Duke.  Aye,  and  speedily  ! 

Methinks  there  shall  a  war  be  toward  that 
Will  make  the  bravest  of  them  quail !     'Tis  strange 
What  pow'r's  in  this  Lelieviere  that  he 
At  flashing  notice  can  an  army  raise, 
To  steep  us  in  abeyance  !     Back,  you  ! 
Who  lately  failed  your  mark  !     And  if  you  bring 
A  second  answer  that  will  tell  as  this, 
Know  then  thou  wert  as  good  as  dead !     Begone  ! 
Mouth  our  intent  as  you  do  know  it; — Fetch 
Some  show  of  answer  or  thy  head  shall  pay 
The  forfeit  of  thy  lack  !     Thriving  province  ours, 

[Exit  Messenger.) 
Environed  on  our  landed  outskirts  with 
Harrassing  bandits;  On  our  sea  girt  ply 
Unnumbered  smugglers  who  now  drug  our  mart 
With  slavish  foreign  wares,  while  native  skill 
Doth  beg  a  living  patronage;  This  must, 
Aye,  shall  no  longer  be  !     If  leniency 
Receives  a  cold  'reception,  we  shall  try 
A  cruel  warlike  plan.     As  I  did  wrest 
This  land  from  those  who  wrong' d  my  father,  so 
Will  I,  (if  needs;)  as  sanguinary,  part  for  part, 
Maintain  it  to  our  usages  !     And  now — 
Wise  councilors  and  else,  I  do  resign 
Mine  office  for  a  time,  and  relegate 
All  pomp  appurtenant  and  duty  to 
Our  trusty  servant,  Cedo,  he  it  is 
Will  rule,  advise  you,  (pending  our  return.) 
Henceforth  his  word  is  law  !     Know  all,  by  noon 
I  must  be  found,  nonest,  a  traveler 
Outside  my  realm;  In  search  of  health  that  man, 
The  passer-by  may  say,  and  you  who  know 
May  then  (as  'twere  upon  authority) 
Affirm  his  lonelyplodding,  as  a  scent 
Upon  a  track  of  health,  or  better  you 


36  DUCAL      HAPS 

May  say — he  is  a  man  whom  duty  found 
Off  duty;  like  unto  the  archer  who 
Did  ever  fail  his  mark  till  that  he  aimed 
Directly  contrawise. 

BarTO.  Is't  well,  my  lord, 

In  such  grave  time,  with  treason,  rampant  and 
Grim  war  at  hand,  thy  office  shall  be  left 
With  head  and  font,  a  novice,  whose  support 
Thou  dost  so  meagrely  define? 

Duke.  Why  friend, 

Hath  he  not  here  good  councilors?     In  case 
Of  haps  emergent,  hath  he  not  you  and  these  ? 
Good-honest  fellows  all,  upright  and  leal; 
Whose  only  thought,  apparent,  is  our  law 
Upheld  most  rigidly.     Wherefore  do  you 
In  morals  so  divinely  hedg'd,  secure 
In  money'd  wealth  and  friends,  seek  to  forestall 
Such  dire  improbabilities  ? 

Andreas  {aside  to  BarTo).  Beware  ! 

He  strokes  thee  dowrn  too  fondly;  I  do  think 
He  means  to  rub  thy  fur  the  contra  way  ! 

Duke. 
Friend,  Andreas,— Thou  no  lesser  christian  light, 
Than  he  thy  consort,  see  thou  bear'st  him  out 
And  with  the  rest  a  unit  for  our  weal. 


ACT  III. 
Scene  i.     Apartment  in  Farriet's  house. 
{Enter  Blanche  meditating.) 

Blanche 
Thus  have  I  been  lighthearted  ever,  yet 
The  pleasing  buoyancy  of  careless  joy, 
Of  innocence  so  redolent,  hath  not 
The  smack  exquisite,  nor  the  bitter  sweet, 
That  here  confronts  and  arbitrarily 
Enlists  me  in  this  newborn  bliss;  How  short 
The  days  that  realize  this  joy,  how  brief 
The  nights  these  beauteous  visions  paint; — Ah  me  ! 
All  nature  hath  digress'd,  and  now  presents 
Her  ripe  and  most  engaging  side.     Methinks 
My  plants,  of  late,  a  sweeter  odor  have| 
The  air  more  bracing  seems;  The  jibes  and  knocks 
To  me,  and  mortals  all  attendant,  now 
Grate  not  so  harshly  on  mine  ear;  Yet  with 
Mine  ecstacy  comes  there  a  fault  along, 
That  savors  much  of  harlotry;  So  deep 
An  easy  conscience  doth  accuse  me,  I 
Do  redden  at  the  thought,  yet  will  I  on 


DUCAL      HAPS  37 


And  gloze  a  present  sin,  a  past  to  cloak. 

Ah,  yes  !  a  harlot  I,  as  great  as  she 

Who  vends  her  graces  on  the  public  mart ! 

Did  I  not  give  the  Duke  (unsought,)  my  love? 

His  image  keep  in  sacred  enshrinement? 

And  foster,  (hoydenlike,)  a  craving  love, 

To  foist  it  on  the  next  available  ? 

The  love,  I  fain  would  have,  and  that 

I  presently  may  own,  cojointly  hold 

In  even  strain,  not  bating  former  love, 

To  help  a  love  existent?     Shame  !     Oh,  shame  ! 

Most  cruel  shame,  that  crimsons  so  my  cheek? — 

Proclaims  I  may  not  entertain  two  loves, 

Yet  will  not  help  me  to  renounce  the  one, 

Nor  with  the  other  cloy  me.     Blest  am  I, 

In  that  I  do  reciprocate  a  love; 

Accurst  am  I,  for  it  my  prayers  will  not 

(In  purity  sincere,)  be  voic'd  to  heav'n. 

A  hypocrite  they  vote  me,  since  I  seem 

In  wickedness  to  thrive  most  happily; — 

So  continuing,  solace  will  I  take 

From  warpt  philosophy  adapted  to 

My  special  want;  as  in  extraction  of  a  thorn, 

Attending  pain  gives  zest  to  subsequent  relief, 

I  will  so  lose  myself,  as  oft  to  think 

With  sharpest  thorns  I'm  deeply  prick'd;  whereas 

My  woes's  all  joy,  yea,  all  that  is,  is  joy, 

And  I,  most  joyful  fond  exponent  of  this  joy, 

Thrive  wickedly  to  further  consummate. 

Oh  why,  hath  Heaven  made  me  so  illform'd, 

That  I  for  wrong  will  hunger,  and  have  not 

(Seek  how  I  will,)  a  virtue's  countercheck  ! 

{Enter  Adelaide  {hastily') . 

Adelaide. 
Oh,  Blanche !     Your  ear  a  tale  I  have  to  tell, 
Which,  if  I  longer  keep,  will  kill  ! 
So  mark, — The  worthy  Cedo  hath  to-day 
Made  manifest  for  me,  a  love,  which  I 
Too  long  have  sweetly  guess'd,  but  now  'tis  set, 
And  look  you, — hence  ne'er  meet  me,  but  expect 
The  dread  affliction  of  society, — 
Accepted  lover!    Let  this  ever  be, 
When  that  I  lack  of  speech  or  speak  too  great, 
Or  seem  distraught  or  tender  no  reply, 
Excusing  adequate  to  clear  my  name, 
Which  ever  shall  be  friend  for  thee.     But  list, 
I'm  furnish'd  with  some  other  news,  at  once 
Both  comical  and  sad;  Sad  it  is, 
In  that  'tis  coupled  with  thy  pretty  self, 


38  DCJCAL      HAPS 

Most  laughable  it  is,  to  thus  presume. 
My  !  how  my  sides  with  laughter  ached  when 
Lord  Andreas  did  his  tale  recite,  of  how 
His  eye  at  different  times  had  seen  Delmot 
With  thee  too  closely  in  communion  knit; 
And  furthermore,  a  heed  (said  he,)  thou  giv'st 
Unto  this  flat  Delmot,  which  none  may  get 
Howe'er  so  well  deported;  This  and  more 
Did  he  present  to  make  thy  father  know, 
What  he  already  knew,  that  thou  wert  pair'd 
With  poor  Delmot;  Oh,  I  could  scarce  restrain 
My  eager  tongue,  nor  think  how  best  direct ! 
Ah,  well,  in  thy  defense  'twas  warmly  us'd, 
Of  that  rest  well  assur'd;  Oh  I  did  show 
The  inconsistence  of  his  yarn,  the  lack 
Betwixt  you  pair  of  close  affinity . 
Then  most  indignantly  did  I  compare 
Shortcomings  of  thy  swain  ! — 

Blanche.  Soft,  Adelaide  !— 

Adelaide. 
Hath  he,  (said  I,)  a  virtue  fit  to  mate 
With  thy  most  faulty  act? 

Blanche.  Oh,  Adelaide  ! 

Adelaide 

Nay  rate  Delmot  in  form  or  tone  or  wealth, 
Combined  threble  value  in  excess 
An  hundred  fold,  still  would  he  have 
Not  grace  enough  to  be  thy  lackey  ! 

Blanche.  Hold ! 

I  cry  you  mercy,  friend  !     Counts  it  a  sin 
Adonis'  mirror's  not  Delmojft's  physique? 
Loves  man  his  mother  less  when  nature  hath 
Been  sparing  with  her  niceties?     Or  when 
The  lapse  of  years  her  kindly  face  doth  set 
In  honorable  wrinkles  ?     Come  tell  me, — 
Is  poverty  enforc'd  iniquitous? — 
Hold'st  thou  a  friendship  in  such  tenure  as 
To  vacillate  as  will  its  owner's  wealth  ? 
No,  dearest  friend,  thou  wilt  not  smirch  my  love; 
Thou  dost  but  tease  me;  even  now  design, 
To  rouse  the  ire  of  love,  whereby  thou  mayest 
Perceive  a  sweet  reflection  of  thy  mind, 
Which  being  freshly  burden'd  of  its  love, 
Hath  pressing  incitation  to  observe 
The  literal  enactment. 

Adelaide.  Must  I  then 

Believe  mine  eyes  that  followed  thee  so  well 


DUCAL      HAPS  39 

Askance  have  look'd  !     Discerning  lost  !     That  thou  . 

From  aspirations  of  a  ducal  love 

Thy  love  so  low  could  prosiitute  ?     Ah  !  thou 

Hast  grievously  deceiv'd;  which  in  return 

To  swell  our  mutual  endearments,  I 

Applaud  as  thou  wilt  love, — When  'tis  a  Duke 

I'll  say  'tis  well,  being  beyond  thy  reach, — 

When  base  or  lowly  born, — why  better  then, 

Since  thou  woulds't  not  abase  thyself,  and  best 

When  such  another  as  ni^y  love,  (a  man 

Of  all  that  man's  a  man,  component),  thou 

May'st  (in  delusive  vagaries  of  luck) 

Chance  on  a  next  to  him  in  cleverness. 

Blanche. 
Be  not  so  cruel,  Ada,  he  I  love 
Hath  all  that  Heav'n  may  bless  a  mortal  with  ! 
I  would  none  other,  give  me  joy  of  him; — 
Not  seek  by  peurile  scorn,  the  hope  to  pall, 
That  all  my  amatory  tenderings, 
Shall  meet  in  him  a  love  responsive.     Bah  ! 
He  did  but  smile,  and  I  that  smile  construed 
Into  a  love  design,  and  when  he  spoke, 
Refined  modulations  of  his  speech, 
So  wrought  upon  my  feelings,  I  did  take 
The  commonplace  accosting  due  our  sex, 
To  be  as  Cupid's  challenge;  So  have  I 
Resolved  a  love  reciprocal  of  naught. 
Begott'n  from  sweet  conceits  a  fruitful  fact, 
No  !  No  !  Ada  !    Thus  doth  it  stand,— Delmot 
Hath  not  address'd  me  other  than  as  one 
Might  speak  unto  a  sister,  it  was  I 
Who  unabash'd  oft  forc'd  my  blushings  and 
All  else  betok'ng  love.     Have  pity  then 
For  one  that  hath  a  clean  divided  heart, 
A  false  and  true  that  alternate  as  days 
And  men  wall  pass. 

Adelaide.  Indeed,  dear  Blanche,  thou  art 

Too  scathing  of  thyself!     For  I  do  know 
Thou  art  too  modest,  shy  and  diffident, 
For  common  good;  Thou  woulds't  not  woo  unwooed; 
The  Duke  with  kindness  woo'd,  perchance  an  eye 
Of  yearning  bent  on  thee,  which  thou  (so  new,) 
Receiv'd  at  par;  This  should  you  not;  for  men 
Will  smile  and  smirk  and  nod  and  wink,  and  you 
A  passive  doll  accepting,  will  evolve 
A  leal  ofF'ring  from  a  false  intent. 
Now,  by  the  moral  sway  of  Cupid,  I 
Some  dozens  have  encounter'd  such  as  this, 


40  DUCAL      HAPS 

And  found  it  passing  sport !     To  some,  a  smile, 

A  willful  frown  to  others,  then  a  look 

Most  tearful  or  caressing,  as  the  gauge 

Of  him  opposing  did  prefer; — yet  here, 

A  Christian,  heartwhole,  with  a  virgin  love, 

Gives  greeting  unto  Cedo  ! — Come  with  me, 

I  have  a  school  of  lessons  few, 

Wherein  is  taught  what  you  should  do; 

And  profit  you  or  profit  not, 

The  issue  is  a  happy  lot.  {Exeunt.) 

{Enter  Andreas,  Barto  andQnno.) 

Andreas. 
To  war  were  better  than  dishonor'd  peace  ! 
To  paint  white  black,  is  well,  but  then  to  build 
A  lofty  structure  on  that  base, — my  lords 
Let  me  be  honest ! 

Cedo.  So  acts  of  the  wise 

The  veriest  fool  may  aptly  criticize, 
Till  puff'd  up  with  opinionated  points, 
His  hearers  by  contagion  are  iniected, 
Imbibing  erudition  of  the  fool, 
Which  subsequent  reflection  proves  a  nill, 
Let  us  then  be  chary  and  eschew 
The  vision  (universal,)  which  doth  set 
Each  sev'ral  living  man  (whate'er  his  lot,) 
To  be  the  leader  of  a  little  world, 
Whose  canton  scope  is  as  his  senses  may 
Find  opportunity  and  fancied  wit 
To  cope  withal:    Remember  all  may  mar 
But  few  can  make;  Respect  originals; 
Be  not  a  wind  iconoclast;  Bark  not 
The  tree  that  gives  thee  shade;  Best  you  would  shirk 
The  self-imposed  duties  of  your  tongues; 
Transpose  alleged  wisdom  into  truth; 
And  loudly  praise  his  eccentricity. 
Ah,  Sirs:     to  found  a  clever  critic,  takes 
Small  quantity  of  wit;  A  trade  for  which 
Most  men  assume  a  special  aptitude. 

Andreas. 
Come,  Cedo,  now  you  do  enlarge  upon 
Our  little  speech;  We  did  comment  and  times 
Do  countenance  the  act;  Certain  it  is 
The  Duke  (by  odd  manipulation,)  has 
Invited  comments  Pro  and  Con,  the  which 
We  have  most  charitably  entertain'd. 
In  that  he  has  some  score  of  smugglers  seiz'd 
And  that  Jean  Lelieviere  is  routed,  we 


DUCAIv      HAPS  41 

Do  give  him  praise,  but  when,  (alack  the  day !) 

He  stoops  the  ducal  dignity  to  lose, 

By  persecution  of  a  noble  man, 

(As  Monsieur  Farriet  is  proven,)  and 

To  further  aggravate  the  case,  he  hath 

Within  his  household  plac'd  (the  like, 

In  ill-proportion,  nature  ne'er  excell'd.) 

An  impress  half  twixt  man  and  ape,  who  treads 

The  smallest  hours  of  the  twenty-four, 

In  spy-like  patrol  of  the  sweetest  girl 

That  e'er  wore  smock  ! 

Cedo.  This,  then  it  is 

Affords  thee  umbrage  at  the  ducal  will  ? 
Do  I  (in  off'ring  joy)  anticipate 
May  I  (without  premising,)  gratulate  ? 
Nay,  stutter  not,  nor  ape  a  virgin  coyness, 
She  that  you  love  is  e'en  most  lovable; — 
Quite  proper  in  all  maiden  attributes; — 
Therefore  be  bold  to  claim — 

Andreas.  And  so  would  I, 

But  that  my  better  to  that  height  aspires, 
And  though  he  speak  it  not,  most  meanly  do 
These  ducal  eccentricities  engage 
And  foul  his  holiest  intendment ! 

Cedo. 
Yes,  friends,  while  all  deplore,  none  may  coerce 
The  line  of  Delmot's  actions  here;  But  as 
His  entertainment  lacks  instruction,  ye 
May  fit  a  key-blank  to  an  easy  lock 
And  use  him  henceforth  as  thy  wants  suggest. 
In  then  !  Remember  well,  as  "  Man's  success 
Lies  in  the  force  of  his  endeavors  J'  ye 
With  axes  dull,  the  stone  !  Thy  selves  avail 

Of  these  inviting  opportunities  !  {Exit.) 

(Barto  menacing  after  Cedo.) 

BarTo. 
Accurst  be  he  and  all  that  follow  in 
The  ducal  wake  !  My  influence  methought 
Was  all  sufficient  to  effectuate 
The  prompt  deposing  of  this  Delmot  and 
Instating  of  thy  self  !     Yet  now  it  seems 
'Tis  something  short  of  naught !     Didst  note  Cedo 
With  all  his  Joud  exclaiming  nothing  said  ? 
11  His  entertainment  lacks  instruction/^    So  the  moon 
Forsooth  !  may  lack  direction  since  'tis  prone 
To  many  changes;  yet  no  mortal  can 
Avail  him  aught  by  striving  to  control; 
So  with  Delmot,  in  his  appointment  here 


42  DUCAL      HAPS 

Omnipotent,  sits  even  as  the  Duke 
And  may  not  then  as  easily  be  led. 

Andreas. 
Since  then,  we  know  our  vantage  elsewhere  lies, 
Let  us  within  and  new  suggestings  seek, 
Wherewith  to  found  a  new  procedure;  Come — 
Upon  our  laggard  heels  misfortunes  tag, 
Dire  menaces  until  our  game  we  bag  ! 
Scene  2.— Grounds  about  Far  net's  house. 

(Enter  Duke,  in  disguise-,  Blanche  discovered  laughing  and  chat- 
tering in  the  distance  with  her  7naid. ) 
Duke. 

Where  link'd  with  beauty  bodes  a  finer  mind  ? 

Where  group'd  in  nature's  masterpiece  more  grace 

F10121  Heav'n  mirror'd?     Angel!     Woman!     First 

My  pulse  to  move  this  happy  measure,  first 

My  wicked  self  to  re  create  !     And  now 

(Since  thou  the  gauntlet  of  a  cruel  test 

Too  well  have  sped,)  will  I  withdraw  and  woo 

As  more  befits  thy  desert  to  be  woo'd. 

Ah  !  how  the  rasping  words  in  latitude 

Of  common  speech,  in  glowing  colors  paint 

Her  lily  cheeks  !     Much  like  the  lash  of  guilt 

Upon  the  spotless  back  of  innocence. 

A  virgin  fit  the  greatest  king  to  mate 

With  beauty,  wit  and  all  else  integrate. 

(Duke  assumes  a  pensive  attitude. ) 

(Exit  maid]  forward  Blanche.) 
Blanche. 

Art  ill,  my  friend,  that  dull  dejection  takes 

A  hold  so  gruesome  ? 

Duke.  111?     Aye,  ill  indeed 

As  he  who  hath  disease  incurable. 
What  fleshly  pain  as  keen,  incisive,  as 
Hypocrisy  of  thought?    To  clash  the  mind 
(Whose  umpirage  religiously  directs,) 
With  thought  on  thought  most  sensual,  incite 
The  passive  body  to  a  mean  imposture? 

Blanche. 
Sir,  rather  do  I  think  thy  searching  sense 
Doth  magnify  some  mite  and  merge  it  in 
A  woeful  sin.  * 

Duke.  Come,  charming  censor,  tell 

How  thou  cans't  so  diverge  in  judgment  from 
Thy  father,  mentor,  friends  and  those  who  deign 
My  execrable  moves  to  arbitrate  ? 


DUCAL      HAPS  43 

BLANCHE. 
My  father's  hate,  (albeit  much  misprised,) 
Hath  great  occasion;  Then  as  moon  to  sun 
Will  fawning  friends  their  borrowed  lustre  lend 
In  lesser  hates  on  thee, — 

Duke  (attempting  a  caress.)     And  you,  fair  one, 
Wilt  thou  not  here  resolve  me  ?     Render  true 
Thy  wonted  estimate  ? 

Blanche.  This  can  I  not, — 

Or  may  not  if  I  could, — Beseech  you  ! 
Let  me  indoors  !     I've  naught  to  say, — Kind  sir  ! 
I  pray  you — hold  me  not — my  tongue  is  lost  ! 
No  speech  have  I  that  boots  thee  to  attend  ! 

Duke. 
Sweet  !     Glint  thine  eyes  but  so,  and  sweeter  speech 
Can  human  lips  not  frame,  nor  can  be  found 
A  list'ner  more  intense  than  he  who  heeds  ! 
Fair  siren,  may  I  be  so  bold,  so  vain, 
Sweet,  to  impart  here  have  we  each  for  each 
A  treasure  infinite,  enriching  both. 
Be  thou  the  magnet  to  my  steel,  and  gain 
By  giving  of  thy  power;  Wilt  thou  be 
As  high  exalted  as  adoring  man 
May  couch  a  worthy  woman  ?     Wilt  thou  wive 
A  man  inferior,  yet  of  a  heart 
Immaculate,  that  throbs  for  none  but  thee  ? 

Blanche. 
I  know  not  how  to  answer  since  I  think 
Much  more  than  thou  dost  crave  thou  dost  bestow; 
Yet  if  thou  wilt  and  thinkst  not  to  repent, — 

Duke. 
So  will  I  never  do, — or  doing  die !  (  They  retire. ) 

[Enter  Cedo  and  Adelaide.) 

Adelaide. 
'Twere  folly  thus  to  woo, — have  ye  no  saws 
To  send  a  wooing  of  a  cuter  text  ? 
Thou  lov'st  me  truly,  aye,  'tis  stale  and  raw  ! 
Thou  wouldst  and  couldst  most  valiantly,  but  don't; 
Ah  !  If  I  were  a  man  prerogativ'd 
No  maid  who  so  invitingly  presents, 
Would  have  her  wants  unsated  !     I  would  have 
A  clasping  arm,  a  shelt'ring  breast,  a  lip 
Continuously  kissing;  see  beyond 

{Looking  at  Duke  in  distance) 
Where  goes  the  humblest,  yet  withal  most  wise, 
Who  will  inhale  his  bud  when  scarce  'tis  plucked. 


44  DUCAL      HAPS 

Doth  not  his  arm  encompass  her  ?     Why,  sure  ! 
Else  hath  he  been  dismeinber'd?     Quick  !     Retire  ! 
Lest  we  be  hued  with  shame;  for  by  his  way 
I  think  he  means  to  kiss.     My  !  Sour  grapes 
Did  ever  make  me  qualmish  ! 

Cedo.  Wouldst  thou  have 

A  hugging  bear,  a  kissing  dove  ?     Then  so  — 
And  so, — (kissing)  with  animal  endearments  I 
Herewith  begin  a  never-ending  role  ! 

Adelaide. 
Ah,  poor  in  quality  is  the  response 
Of  love  too  long  solicited  !     It  hath 
The  mtrit  of  originality. 
For  never  did  I  hear  of  love  that  lack'd 
The  fiery  germ  of  spontaneity! 

Cedo. 
If  depth  of  love  by  blandishments  is  shown, 
Henceforth  a  love  most  obvious  thou'lt  own. 
Spasmodic  and  paroxysmal  I'll  be, 
Loose-jointed  ever  with  a  pray'rful  knee. 
No  scowling  frowns,  no  venom'd  stares,  all  smiles; 
The  very  prince  himself  of  cupid's  wiles. 
With  sighs  at  times,  then  tears,  and  all  between 
Diffusing  love's  quintessence  beauteous  queen.  (Exeunt.) 

(Forward  Blanche  and  Duke.) 

Duke. 
It  is  my  lack  doth  so  embolden  me, 
Were  I  more  richly  favor 'd,  of  a  form 
Less  hideous,  thus  much  would  I  not  urge. 

Blanche. 
Why  should  I  linger  on't  when  you  would  know? 
'Twas  then, — The  Duke,  I  lov'd  !     Why  laugh  you  not? 

Duke. 

This  moves  me  not  to  mirth;  All  subjects  should 
Show  loyal  love. 

Blanche.  In  sooth  they  should,  yet  mine; — 

Kind  sir, — shame  me  no  further  to  confess ! 

Duke. 
Sweet !     'Tis  the  keen  delight  of  love,. to  hear 
These  fond  confessings;  Tell  me  of  this  love, — 
Was't  like  to  mine  ? 

Blanche.  E'en  so,  a  tender  bud, 

A  struggling  undeveloped  flower,  though 
The  rip'ning  would  I  fear,  had  you  not  stay'd 


DUCAL      HAPS  45 

The  random  growth  and  grafted  sweeter  fruit. 

Duke. 
'Tis  well  to  be  a  second  if  the  first 
Be  dead,  and  third  doth  follow  not  in  train. 
Yet  of  this  duke,  thy  love  (if  that  he  would,) 
I  like  him  not,  and  much  annoyed  am  I 
To  know  he  has  bestirred  thy  virgin  heart. 

BLANCHE. 

How  like  the  duke  thou  seem'st  when  speaking  thus ! 
In  feature,  voice,  expression,  so  in  kind 
I  cannot  well  distinguish  !     Aye  in  truth 
Had  nature  used  thee  kindly,  I  could  swear 
Thou  wert  his  very  image  ! 

Duke.  What !     A  duke 

Of  pigmy  stature,  and  a  camel's  back? 
Of  microscopic  brain  ?     Of  dwarfish  wit  ? 
Astute  discerner  !     Well  dost  thou  collate 
When  say'st  thou  he  doth  me  resemble  ! 

Blanche. 
I  would  not  have  thee  so  detract;  Be  true, 
My  love  in  all,  nor  abnegate  a  grace 
By  both  in  common  held,  lest  I  be  bowed 
By  shamed  humility;  For  as  the  duke 
Did,  as  the  lightning's  corruscating  stroke 
Flash  heav'nly  fire  into  my  sleeping  heart, 
Awaken  fond  desires,  delicious  thoughts, 
Entrancing  dreams  and  pleasing  discontents, 
And  as  thou  art  in  body,  mind  and  all 
His  other  self,  his  true  continuer, 
I  needs  must  loyal  be,  whiles  you  no  more 
He,  (which  art  thyself,)  will  derogate. 

Duke. 
Why  truly,  thou  art  of  the  gentler  sex 
A  gem,  a  true  exponent,  to  outface 
Avow'd  dissembling  with  such  sweet  debate. 
Now  come  your  ways,  too  long  have  you  annoy' d. 
Sweet  work  have  I  to  keep  those  lips  employed. 

{Attempts  kiss.) 

Blanche. 
Aye,  wilt  thou  so,  without  some  sharp  rebuke  ! 
Forbear !     Nor  dare  parade  me  by  the  duke !  {Exeunt.) 

{Forward  Cedo  and  Adelaide.) 

Adelaide. 
Whoever  saw  a  clucking  hen  to  pick 
Till  that  she  scratched  ?     Or  farmer  seek  to  reap 
E're  he  had  sown  ?    Anticipation's  guile 


46  DUCAL      HAPS 

Averts  reality,  Thou  wouldst  affect 

The  capers  of  a  novice  on  the  lute 

I  do  remember  of,  who  would  essay 

Profoundest  musical  effusions  known, 

B're  she  the  scale  had  mastered.     Breathes  the  child 

Who  will  the  dinner  courses  gorge, 

When  close  a  savory  dessert  awaits  ? 

You,  but  a  child,  in  love,  must  so  be  chid'n; 

Know  then,  to  wear  me  tritely,  woo  you  must ! 

And  that  without  incessant  urging,  too  ! 

Cedo. 
What  if  I  brazenly  will  arrogate 
Fine  qualities  that  ill  befit :    Cause  you 
To  think  I  am  not    IjThrive  in  deceit; 
Assail  thee  with  a  tongue  eclectic,  true 
In  seeming  only;  Or  with  boasts  alike — 

A  man  I  know,  who  when  the  snow 

Lay  thickly  as  a  shield; 

'Tween  suns  I  vow,  criss  cross  could  plough 

A  full  ten-acre  field. 

But  when  the  blast  of  winter  past, 

And  summer  heat  the  while, 

As  sure  as  fate  this  man  could  skate 

A  minute  to  a  mile. 

On  desert  dry,  no  water  nigh, 

I'll  truly  say  of  him, 

Be  mortal  glad,  if  that  he  had 

An  hundred  miles  to  swim. 

But  when  on  ship,  his  truthful  lip 

'  Twere  pity  to  observe; 

Miles  he  could  do,  as  seconds  flew, 

Ah,  me  !     He  had  a  nerve  ! 
Nay,  suffer  me  to  court  thee  honestly, 
That  when  conjugal  love  enjoying,  we 
May  yet  have  crowning  virtues  to  reveal. 

Ada. 
Then  be  it  so,  yet,  let  it  not  appear 
My  love  is  held  too  cheaply  !     Be  alive 
To  feelingly  enact  thy  prompting  thoughts 
And  let  me  queen  it  o'er  my  fond  domain  ! 

Cedo. 
Yea,  on  my  neck,  thy  foot,  a  fond  caress; 

So  thou  anon  infracting  love  no  less.  {Exeunt) 

{Enter  BarTo  and  Andreas.) 

Andreas. 
This  is  the  very  substance  of  the  scheme, — 
Thou  hast  in  swordsmanship  no  equal,  save 


DUCAL      HAPS  ,  47 

One  lone  exception,  he,  the  duke;  and  as 
This  Delmot  sports  a  warlike  thigh,  thou  may'st 
Find  quick  occasion  to  engage  the  skill 
His  dangling  sword  implies;  Without  a  fear 
But  he'll  be  stuck  as  well  as  other  hogs. 

BARTO. 

This  sorts  not  well  and  ruins  me  in  caste, 
To  cross  a  knightly  sword  with  such  as  he. 

Andreas. 

Nay,  cross  it  not !     But  lunge  at  him  with  point 
Of  deadly  venom  !     Make  a  deal — defense — 
As  'twere  a  quarrel  forc'd — invited  not  ! 
Trust  me  to  fend  the  honor  of  your  steel, 
By  goading  him  till  that  his  acts  overt, 
Thy  pass  will  justify. 

BarTO.  Much  cause  have  I 

To  wish  him  dead,  yet  murder  suits  me  not ! 

Andreas. 

Come,  scan  thee  not  thy  mind  so  daintily, 

Nor  coin  so  harsh  a  word      He  hath  unlocked 

The  closest  secrets  of  thy  bosom,  holds 

The  safest  fort  in  action;  charms  a  love 

That  else  were  yours,  he  being  vanquished. 

Say,  shall  he  live  ?     Iyive  yet  to  tell  the  Duke 

Thy  fond  confidings;  by  the  which  the  bribes 

Thou  gavs't  to  him,  will  serve  as  vouchers  for 

A  gauzy  probity; —  (Enter  Farriet.) 

Barto.  No  more,  he  dies! 

I'll  down  all  conscience  'tween  me  and  the  act ! 

Andrews. 
Sh— !  Farriet !     Now  closely  by  repair, 
And  hearken  to  his  railing — here  'tis  good. 

(  They  retire  to  side  hidden  by  trees. ) 

Farriet. 
What,  solitude  !     Shall  I  luxuriate 
In  pensiveness  and  for  the  nonce  have  time 
To  bless  me  with  an  intervening?     'Tis 
Most  singular  what  hap  hath  now  befall'n, 
And  clouds  me  much  to  question;  I,o  !  'tis  gone  ! 
The  miracle  quick  wrought,  illusion  is ! 
For  here  my  nemesis,  mine  evil  star. 
Impatient  eagnerness  personifies, 
And  strives  to  bask  him  in  my  seldom  smile, 
Which  never  yet  were  his.  (Enter  Duke.) 


48  DUCAL      HAPS 

Duke.  Good  morning,  sir  ! 

Farriet. 
'Twere  knavish  mockery  to  thus  accost 
With  gentle  salutation  of  the  day, 
When  yet  thine  eye  in  watch  perpetual 
Hath  disallow'd  the  warrant  of  salute  ! 

Duke. 
It  grieves  me  much,  the  service  of  my  hire 
Doth  visit  you  unkindly;  I  would  be 
Well  savoured  to  your  liking,  at  this  time, 
If  never  so  before,  since  now  I  come 
In  marriage  way,  to  ask  of  thee  thy  child. 

Farriet. 
Why,  'tis  an  ass  that  speaks  !     Alike  the  child 
That  hunger d  for  the  moon  !     Hence  you  to  her ! 
Amazement  so  confounds  me,  in  reply 
I  needs  must  be  abusive  !     Go,  to  her  ! 
There  will  you  get  denial,  sweet,  refin'd 
In  cloaked  repugnance;  There  refusal  take 
In  sugar'd  cadence;  Pity  if  you  will 
For  she  is  of  such  gentle  disposition, 

Grossest  word  of  hers  excels  my  best  {Enter  Bi^anche.) 

In  pleasuring  the  ear  !     Stay  you  !     She  comes  ! 
{Aside)  Why,  here  is  not  a  child,  but  woman  grown, 
That  rather  may  be  led  than  driven  ! 

Blanche.  Sire, — 

Why  dost  thou  look  so  grave,  and  stare  me  so  ? 
Thou  wilt  not  think  I  have  outgrown  thy  love? 

(  Farriet  caressing  Blanche.  ) 

Farriet. 
My  child  !  So  even  now,  a  very  babe 
That  cooing  in  my  rocking  arms,  was  wont 
To  while  relaxing  hours;  as  like  to  Eve 
And  Adam,  in  our  paradise;  no  sin, 
No  thought  iniquitous.  When,  lo,  appears 
A  wily  serpent,  sharp,  seductive,  which 
(But  little  diff'ring  from  the  Devil  skinn'd,) 
Comes  in  the  form  of  man,  prepared  to  tempt 
The  tenure  of  our  holding.     Will  you  draw 
A  present  parallel,  or  seeming  dense 
Compel  me  query,  by  the  which  I  add 
Abasement  to  thy  high  estate;  Demean 
The  loftiest  findings  of  my  soul  ? 

Blanche.  Oh  Sire — 

Be  well  persuaded  I  am  thine  for  aye. 
And  further  be  convinced,  thy  teachings  have 


DUCAI,      HAPS  49 

Been  carefully  attended.     How  may  I  speak, 
When  by  thy  mien  'tis  quite  evident 
To  anger  thou'rt  inclined  ?     Sire,  change  thy  look, 
Aud  bid  me  pleasantly  proceed,  lest  I, 
Misjudging,  think  thou  dost  divine  my  speech 
And  predispose  to  choler  ! 

Farriet.  How  I  look 

Need  prejudice  to  no  perversion;  Say 
(With  candor)  what  you  may,  but  tell  me  not 
In  shadow  of  thy  love  yon  suitor  comes  ! 

BLANCHE. 

Good  sire  !     Say  rather  I  the  shadow  am 
To  his  eclipsing  light ! 

Duke.  Sire,  give  me  leave, — 

Farriet. 
Of  absence,  aye,  or  leave  to  quit  thy  life  ! — 
Which  doubly  valued,  poor  requital  were 
To  compass  this  foul  wrong  !     'Tis  monstrous,  child  ! 
Rank  heresy  to  nature  for  a  lamb 
To  mate  the  dread  hyena,  or  the  dove 
To  pair  the  buzzard;  Beasts  of  little  wit 
Thus  much  innately  know;  And  will  my  child 
With  less  than  brute  discretion,  act  a  part? 
What,  Daughter  !     Wilt  thou  balk  at  heaven,  when, 
With  such  a  gracious  hand,  she  hath  bestrewn 
Thy  pathway?    Thou,  divinel}'  blest,  wilt  mock 
High  heaven  by  debasing  of  these  gifts? 
Nay, — Teaser  mine, — Tell  me  forthwith  remains 
The  tether  of  paternal  love  intact; 
That  yet  the  overawing  power  of 
A  good  example  be  not  so  impinged, 
That  here  is  warrant  of  futility  ! 
Why,  I  do  tire  of  my  clanging  tongue 
That  ceaselessly  reiterates; — Yet  I 
In  thy  behavior,  scent  some  faulty  hints 
That  wearily  persuade.     Come,  face  about, 
With  haughty  chilliness,  thy  back  to  that, 
Wiles  cheerfully  thine  eyes  my  fears  dispel. 

Blanche. 

Oh,  Father,  kill  me  not  with  such  reproof! 
Thou  chid'st  as  I  were  heinously  at  fault, 
When  I  had  thought  mine  act  thyself  would  please. 
From  infancy  hast  thou  precepts  set  forth, 
Which  (duteously  observing, )  shaped  my  course 
To  order  this  selection. — Hast  not  thou 


50  DUCAL      HAPS 

Repeatedly  maintained,  "  That  man  is  great 
When  greatness  he  begets;— That  to  be  good 
Were  better  far  than  great; — and  humbleness 
The  sponsor  of  their  truth  ?    Alas,  when  I 
With  Delmot's  love  myself  enriched,  methought 
My  joying  heart  (with  love  new  generate 
For  thee  and  thy  endorsement  of  my  choice,) 
Bxultingly  would  burst  its  strained  bounds 
And  send  me  to  elysium  ! — Yet  now 
In  chaos  I  abide,  not  knowing  how 
My  filial  devotion  to  thy  will 
Hath  so  egregiously  offended. 
(Farriet  draws  sword.) 

(Farriet  to  Blanche.)     Hence  ! 
Lest  in  my  proper  wrath  I  strike  thee  down  ! — 
As  (heaven  pand'ring  to  my  strength  and  skill) 
I  now  intend  to  smite  this  cringing  wretch  ! 

Duke. 

Good  Sire  !     Be  rational !     I'll  not  entreat 
In  aught  but  honorable  vein:  which  course 
(If  you  but  lend  me  hearing)  I  will  show 
Will  meet  thjr  best  approval ! 

Farriet.  Hold  thy  breath  !— 

Thou  home  despoiler  !     Look  !     Defend  thyself ! 

Blanche. 

Father  !     Father  !     Do  restrain  thyself! 

(Farriet  closes  in  on  the  Duke  who  is  compelled  to  draw.) 

Duke. 

Sire  !     Sire  !     Esteem  me  not  so  poor  a  knight 
As  make  me  give  thee  battle  !     Let  me  go 
Until  thy  present  anger  be  subdued 
By  other  than  such  violence  ! 


Farriet.  What,  Cur 


Dost  flout  me  with  mine  age  ?     Take  that ! — 

A  miss  ! — Here  then  !— 

{Duke  knocks  sword  out  of  Farriet's  hand—  Blanche  picks 
up  sword  and  moves  to  side — Enter,  Barto  with  drawn  sword 
followed  by  Andreas.) 

Barto.  For  shame,  thou  crafty  coward  ! 

To  thus  decrepit  age  assail !     Come  pit 
Thy  knavish  weapon  'gainst  a  lusty  blade  ! 


DUCAL      HAPS  51 


Duke. 


Aye,  that  will  I,  and  willingly  !     Be  spry  ! 
For  I  do  strike  to  kill,  not  maim  ! — And  now — 
Oh  thou  dost  tremble,  charlatan  ! — Methinks 
Thy  tongue  hath  stancher  courage  than  thine  arm — 
Upon  thy  wav'ring  sword  arm  take  you  this  ! — 

(Andreas  draws  and  confronts  the  Duke.) 
And  this  upon  the  nether  ! 

(Duke  wounds  Barto  who  falls.) 
Now  for  you  ! — 

Andreas. 
Thou  miserable  dwarf !     Some  carving  take 
Of  thine  own  choosing  ! 

Blanche  rushes  with  uplifted  sword  endeavoring  to  shield  the 
Duke,  who  wounds  Andreas,  then  hastily  departs. 

Ah,  a  vicious  cut ! 
Alarm  the  household  !     See,  the  wretch  escapes  ! 

{Enter  servants,  etc.) 
Look  to  Lord  Barto;  mine  is  but  a  scratch  ! 

BARTO. 
Nay,  mind  me  not.     After  Delmot !     A  purse 
Of  gold  ducats  he  who  apprehends 
The  would-be-murderer ! 

Farriet. 
Look  to  the  gates  ! 

Have  all  safe,  barred  and  our  adjacent  ground 
Have  well  explored  !     Come,  friends,  be  led  within. 
Thy  wounds  a  surgeon's  skill  should  quickly  have 
Lest  serious  they  prove. 

{Exeunt  Barto,  Andreas  and  attendants.) 

Blanche.  Oh,  leave  me  not  ^ 

In  such  austerity  !     Turn,  father,  please, 
Compel  me  not  to  beg  my  honest  due, 
For,  as  I  hope  to  live,  naught  have  I  done 
That  forfeits  me  thy  love  ! 

Farriet.  Thou  plead'st  in  vain  ! 

Think'st  thou  affection  is  dispensed  in  lots 
Like  garden  truck  ?     That  heart  and  pulse  at  will 
To  suit  a  passion's  whim,  are  made  to  beat  ? 
Avaunt !     Thou  hast  renounced  parental  love, 
Aye,  issue  taken  'gainst  thy  flesh  and  blood  ! 
As  thou  hast  built,  go  thou  and  house  !     Away 
Resume  thy  consort  with  that  murd'rous  knave, 
That  fugitive,  who  will  ere  dawn  be  jailed; 
Hie  to  him  swiftly  never  to  return  ! 

(Blanche  sinks  in  despair.     Curtain.\ 


52  DUCAL      HAPS 


ACT  IV. 

Scene  i.     Corridor  in  Farriet's  home.) 

{Enter  Blanche  and  Adelaide.) 

Blanche. 

This  must  you  do,  and  speedily,  or  I 

Will  say  thou  dost  procrastinate  and  seek 

By  subterfuge  and  many  petty  means, 

To  eke  the  time  so  tediously,  my  plan 

Shall  fail  a  consummation;  Never  think  it 

Better  to  believe  the  pretty  names 

(Of  pure  effeninateness  typical,) 

It  was  thy  wont  to  dress  me  with, 

Misnomers  were;  That  what  I  seemed  to  be, 

That  am  I  not;  nor  ever  shall  again 

With  thoughts  so  vain,  imbue  my  self  conceit. 

Oh,  friend  !     Thou  know'st  me  not,  nor  I  myself ! 

I  would  thou  wert  a  mind  diviner,  could 

The  turbulence  my  brain  and  heart  contain, 

Have  knowledge  of;  then  with  such  slothful  speed 

Thou  could'st  not  act;  Thou  say'st  thou  art  in  love; 

'Tis  false  !  Else  knowing  of  my  misery, 

Wouldst  thou  with  lightning  speed  my  favor  grant ! 

Ada. 

Why,  sweetheart !  What  a  spitfire  art  thou  now 
To  twit  me  with  inaction  !     By  my  love, 
(Which  Heaven  be  my  witness  I  aver 
Is  treasured  next  my  soul,)  I  will  avouch, 
With  wit  and  limb,  by  night  and  day,  have  I 
Incessantly  thy  interests  advanc'd  ! 

Blanche. 

Ah,  I  do  know  it  well; — Forgive  my  spleen, 
For  senseless  spleen  it  is,  and  spleen  'tis  not, — 
I  would  the  Duke  were  come  !     Forgive  me,  sweet — 
Why  comes  he  not  ?     It  hath  been  well  announc'd 
He  would  'ere  noon  arrive. 

Ada.  Be  patient,  Blanche, 

Soon  will  ensue  thy  hour  of  good  cheer— 


DUCAI,      HAPS  53 


BLANCHE. 


Ah  !  Would  he  were  less  valiant,  more  discreet, 
Then  would  I  feel  secure;  yet  he  will  face 
Manhunters  by  the  score,  and  by  his  grit 
Yield  up  his  precious  life.    Oh,  friend,  bestir  ! 
To  Cedo  go  !     A  thousand  times  entreat ! 
And  if  he  then  be  lax,  why  still  entreat ! 
Why  stays  the  Duke  so  long  ?     My  Delmot  dead  ? 
Methinks  this  long  delay  hath  turn'd  my  brain  ! 
Why,  I  do  seem  to  see  his  bleeding  corpse, — 
His  manly  front  with  cruel  wounds  agaping; 
Go  !     Have  Cedo  to  recall  these  men 
Or  charge  them  use  no  violence  !     I'll 
Upon  the  high  road  wait  and  greet  the  Duke 
With  such  sincere  beseechings,  ere  he  comes 
Within  the  castle  gates,  he  needs  must  turn. 

{Exit  Adelaide  ) 
And  order  give  for  Delmot's  safety — Ah  ! 

{Enter  Barto  with  bandaged  arm.} 
Esteemed  friend  !  none  welcome  more  than  thou, — 
How  is  thy  wound  ?     I  hope  it  pains  thee  not, 
And  yet,  alack,  thou  wouldst  have  slain  Delmot ! 

Barto. 
I  would  I  had — Ne'er  lived  a  meaner  wretch  ! 

Blanche. 

O  say  not  that !     As  thou  art  friend  to  me 
So  must  thou  be  to  him  or  fail  us  both. 
Crease  not  so  frowningly  thy  brow,  Oh,  Sir, 
Enlist  thy  better  nature  and  forgive. 

Barto. 

My  executioner  I  might,  but  he — No !     No  ! 
Bid  me  to  do  aught  that  mortal  man  may  do, 
(Aye  though  perdition  terminate  the  act,)  and  I 
Will  cheerfully  comply;  But  for  this  knave, 
No  man  to  man  more  enmity  can  hold 
Than  I  to  him. 

Blanche.  For  such  abhorrence  thou 

Hast  little  cause,  since  in  his  self  defense 
Not  with  a  venemous  aggression  was 
Thy  wound  inflicted. 

Barto.  True;  For  that  he  dies ! 

Not  midst  the  show  of  valor  he  engaged 


54  DUCAL      HAPS 

Opposing  our  true  blades  !     But  ignominy 
His  consort  be — about  his  neck  a  rope, — 
O'erhead  a  low'ring  sky, — beneath  all  space, 
Within  a  fallen  trap  a  sometime  prop  • 

For  his  ignoble  body, —whiles  circling  'bout 
The  jeering  populace  deride  ! 

Blanche.  Sir— Friend ! 

Thou  surely  wilt  not  let  this  come  to  pass  ! 
I  feel  tliou  art  too  warm,  too  close  a  friend — 

BARTO. 

Oh,  Woman  !  Girl !     Why  sue  ye  not  for  me? 

The  gods,  my  witness,  much  more  need  have  I 

To  have  thy  suing,  so  thou'lt  sue  thyself 

In  my  behalf!     Hold  not  thyself  so  cheap 

As  thus  to  waste  upon  this  sordid  dwarf 

Thy  wealth  of  charms:     Be  mine, — Accept  my  name, 

My  love, — a  life's  devotion, — all  that  man 

With  utmost  effort  may  his  love  endow. 

BLANCHE. 

Oh  friend  !     Why  dost  thou  tax  my  feelings  so  ? 
I  like  you  well  as  friend,  and  friend  remain; 
Not  seek  attainment  of  those  sacred  gifts 
Which  woman  may  but  to  one  man  allot; 
And  thou  dost  know — (be  it  for  good  or  ill) 
Mine's  portion'd  to  Delmot. 

BarTo.  A  bride  elect 

Unto  a  death's-head  surely  is  thy  lot, 

There  is  no  pow'r  twixt  earth  and  heav'n  can  save 

This  villain  from  the  hangman  !     Think  on  this 

And  make  a  new  selection;  Tender  me 

This  futile  love,  and  by  my  soul  I  swear 

A  lifelong  serfage  to  thy  will ! 

Blanche.  Accurs't 

The  fatal  day  that  sees  him  hang'd  !     Accurs't 

The  executioner  and  all  concerned, 

That  have  the  pow'r  and  will  not  render  him 

The  succor  due  his  innocence  !     Accurs't 

Be  thou  if  that  thy  conscience  makes  thee  not 

Unbend  thy  cruel  will,  withdraw  thy  charge 

And  give  the  valiant  Delmot  liberty  ! 

Barto. 
Sweet  as  the  tinkling  of  a  heav'nly  bell 


DUCAL      HAPS  55 

Thy  voice  in  censure;  maledictions  seem 
Like  sweetest  approbation  from  thy  lips. 
Speak  on,  'twill  tire  thee  the  rendering 
Ere  I  grow  listless;  yet  I'd  have  thee  sing 
Me  pretty  love  songs;  Sweet,  be  mine,  my  wife, 
And  never  yet  lived  man  nor  ever  shall, 
Whose  fiercest  love  could  equal  mine  for  thee  ! 
My  life, — thy  love, — lose  one, — lose  both;  for  I 
Do  rate  my  life  as  naught  without  thy  love. 

BLANCHE. 

Good  Sir  !     Why  wilt  thou  urge  a  fruitless  suit! 
No  love  have  I  for  any  but  Delmot; 
Should  Heaven  take  him  from  me  I  could  wish, 
(Unholy  wish,)  myself  enshrouded  then. 

BARTO. 

His  death-knell  thou  hast  spoken  !  Let  the  law 
Unhampered  by  my  protest,  take  its  course. 
Think  well;  within  thy  hand  thou  hold'st  a  life; 
Be  murd'retss  if  thou  wilt. 

Blanche.  Did  I  believe 

That  in  high  Heaven  there  be  mercy  stored 

For  such  inhuman,  unforgiving  knaves, 

I'd  straightway  sin  past  all  atonement;  yes 

If  wedding  you  be  my  alternative 

I'll  be  a  murderess  and  my  Delmot, 

(A  willing  sacrifice)  will  me  forgive; 

Whilst  you,  until  the  devil  claim  your  soul, 

Shall  unforgiven,  with  the  brand  of  Cain, 

Wear  out  your  wicked  life  !  {Exit.) 

Barto.  So,  so,  you  shrew  ! 

You're  not  all  candy  !  no  !  some  vinegar 

Is  coursing  through  thy  pretty  blue-hued  veins 

Wrhose  acid  presence  pleases  me  so  well, 

I'll  give  thee  more  occasion  soon  to  show, 

(In  hotter  passion  yet),  those  swollen  veins  ! 

There's  no  mistake,  she  is  a  beauty,  and 

She  pleads  most  beautifully;  Should  the  Duke 

Give  her  an  audience  ere  I  his  mind 

Have  tempered  to  my  purpose,  all  may  fail ! 

'Twere  well  I  see  him  first,  since  his  soft  heart 

Would  surely  melt  to  her  persuasion.  {Exit.) 

Scene  2.—  Hallway  in  Duke's  palace.     Enter  valets,  etc. 

ist  Valet. 
If  this  will  constitute  no  wonder,  then 


56  DUCAI,      HAPS 

I  know  of  none;  Of  smuggling  craft 
No  less  than  ten  this  fortnight  have 
Enriched  our  public  coffers. 

2ND  ValKT.  Call  you  this 

A  marvel  matched  with  that  I  have  to  tell  ? 
Jean  Lelievere  is  hanged;  his  troopers  have 
Surrendered  up  their  lives  and  booty  both 
Unto  the  clement  rulings  of  our  law; 
And  more  amazing  !  Delmot,  whom,  you  know, 
(111  favor'd,  sanguinary  dwarf,  the  Duke's 
Most  recent  vassal  who  sweats  his  hire 
By  playing  spy  on  Farriet,)  last  night 
In  deadly  peril  rushed  the  portals  through, 
With  frantic  gesture,  holding  well  in  sight 
The  ducal  signet  ring,  (as  'twere  to  show 
Authority  to  pass  the  gates) — then  fled 
With  lightning  speed  to  Cedo's  chambers,  where 
He  begged  protection  from  an  angry  mob, 
Then  audible  without  the  palace  gates. 
What  e'er  the  talismanic  words  he  spoke, 
No  loud  command  of  pompous  officer 
To  soldiers  could  more  promptly  be  obeyed; 
Like  magic  was  the  crowd  dispersed,  the  while 
Denouncing  loudly  murderer  Delmot. 

ist  Valet. 
Delmot  a  murderer  !     It  cannot  be 
That  he  hath  killed  old  Farriet? 

2nd  Valet.  Aye  worse  ! 

The  facts  (as  near  as  I  could  glean  last  night,) 
Assure  that  Farriet  engaged  Delmot 
In  deadly  combat,  taking  umbrage  at 
Delmot's  uncanny  power  o'er  his  child, 
And  being  worsted,  was  assisted  by 
Lord  Barto,  who  in  turn  was  jabbed  so  hard 
Lord  Andreas  interfered  and  it  is  said 
Is  wounded  mortally. 

1ST  Valet.  But  then  to  think 

Delmot  for  succor  and  protection,  should 
Fly  to  the  hall  of  justice,  when  the  judge 
Is  bosom  friend  to  those  he  sought  to  kill. 

2nd  Valet. 
Did  I  not  call  my  tale  a  marvel — men  ? 
Which,  readily  resolved,  is  marvel  none. 
If  any  be  a  prophet  bid  him  tell 
Whereto  these  wonders  tend;  likewise  explain 
The  wherefore  of  these  revolutions  here, 
Since  that  our  loving  ruler  rules  us  not. 


DUCAL      HAPS  57 

ist  Valet. 
Let  it  content  you  that  Cedo,  albeit 
A  mirth-infecting  wit,  takes  to  his  reign 
As  he  were  bred  to  it;  no  elder  sage 
With  overstock  of  ripe  experience  could 
More  fitly  do  the  honors;  if  it  be 
That  he  hath  caused  these  smugglers  seized, 
Effected  Leliviere's  late  hanging  and 
Directed  all  these  many  changes,  then 
He  is  a  man  select,  of  many  pick't; 
But  more  am  I  inclined  to  think  he  is 
A  loaded  die  whose  cast  the  Duke  controls; 
A  many  stringed  puppet  that  doth  act 
As  hints  the  tension  of  its  cords. 

2D  Valet. 
Let  it  suffice  you,  we  are  one  and  all 
Beyond  our  just  deserts  well  used  and  go  ! 
We  judge  a  faultless  hap,  a  thing  as  rare, 
And  much  to  be  commended,  as  the  few 
Who  when  they  stumble  on  a  raised  stump 
Or  mount  a  step  not  on  the  steps  constructed, 
Stride  quickly  on  and  angry  words  forego.  {Exeunt  Omnks) 

Scene  3. — A  throne  room  in  the  Duke's  palace.  Duke  discovered 
sitting  in  state  attended  by  Cedo,  Lords,  Barto,  and  Andreas, 
each  with  a  bandaged  arm,  Courtiers,  Guards,  etc. 

Duke. 
All  being  well  assembled,  time  is  ripe 
For  any  that  have  grievances  that  ask 
Amelioration  of  our  state,  to  show 
By  word  of  mouth  or  sworn  petition  penned, 
Wherein  our  late  law — representatives 
Have  in  their  novel  functions  been  remiss 
Or  by  their  zeal  o'ershot  authority. 

Cedo. 
My  lord,  I  think  there  be  no  discontents 
Brewed  from  our  exposition  of  the  law, 
Thy  mandates  duly  executed,  have 
In  all  particulars,  but  one,  brought  forth 
A  perfect  satisfaction; — more,  my  h-rd 
Than  failure  to  encompass  thine  intent 
Hath  this  exception  done;  since  waxing  hot 
Are  now  ensuing  new  disquietudes; 
The  which,  I  hope,  (my  most  revered  lord,) 
Thou  wilt  reserve  thy  judgment  on,  till  I 
Some  facts  (unsuited  to  the  public  ear,) 
Have  privately  conveyed  to  you. 


58  DUCAL      HAPS 

Duke.  'Tis  well, 

Good  Cedo;  As  in  thy  diplomacy 
I  have  implicit  faith,  I  will  defer 
(Until  we  hold  a  closet  conference,) 
Mine  own  determinations.     Now  it  seems 
A  most  auspicious  time  to  call  this  case, 
Since  I  have  yet  to  learn  the  smallest  news 
Concerning  the  aggressor  or  aggrieved; 
Who  be  the  litigants  and  what  the  cause? 

Cedo. 

My  lord,  the  facts  are  these, — upon  the  eve 
Of  thy  departure,  (if  you  recollect,) 
One  Farriet,  a  wealthy  merchant  here, 
Convicted  of  the  crime  of  treason,  was 
By  executive  clemency  paroled, 
With  the  express  condition,  to  instal 
Within  the  bosom  of  his  family, 
Thine  own  appointee,  whose  sole  duty  was 
To  keep  M.  Farriet  in  espionage. 
My  lord, — as  in  my  short  acquaintanceship 
With  this  Delmot,  I  found  in  him  a  man 
Most  lovable  and  loving,  I  in  truth 
Cannot  impartially  report  him;  Here 
Two  willing  witnesses  and  credible, 
Stand  ready  to  complete  the  narrative. 

Duke. 

What  !     Iyord  Barto,  likewise  his  friend  Andreas, 
Trapped  out  so  grimly  with  hospital  swaths  ! 
This  must  be  well  explained;  for  woe  be  to 
The  causers  of  thy  most  unsightly  plights, 
(If  that  they  dwell  not  in  the  great  beyond.) 

Barto. 

My  lord,  (with  all  due  deference,)  I  will 
Upon  thy  rights  divine,  so  far  encroach 
As  censure  thy  selection  of  Delmot; 
Believe  me,  'twas  a  most  unlucky  choice. 
A  villain  he  of  deepest  die, — a  fiend 
Whose  crafty,  subtle  machinations  have 
A  loving  family  circle,  (unsurpassed) 
Most  cruelly  disrupted  and  embroiled  ! 
The  which  fell  acts,  while  striving  to  prevent, 
Were  L,ord  Andreas  and  my  unlucky  self 
Made  bleeding  martyrs. 

Duke.  Barto  !  speak  ye  truth  ! 


DUCAL      HAPS  59 


BARTO. 


As  God's  my  witness  I  attest  within 
The  very  lines  of  truthfulness  !     My  lord, 
Had  I  a  thousand  tongues,  each  one  as  glib 
As  now  ding-dongs  thine  ear,  yet  would  I  lack 
Of  language  to  portray  the  wily  moves, 
Insidious  advances,  artful  tricks, 
Devised  by  this  cunning  knave,  to  win 
From  sweetest  daughter  love,  from  father  hate; 
Nor  caring  whom  he  hurt  thus  to  proceed 
Were  we  entangled;  Thus,  to  champion 
An  old  man's  wrongs  and  set  a  girl  aright. 
Were  we  to  death's  door  dangerously  near. 

Duke. 

Why  this  recital  (lords)  amazes  me  ! 

The  knave  Delmot  from  me  no  orders  had 

For  such  unseemly  acts.     Incredible  ! 

He  durst  annoint  his  low  plebian  sword 

With  royal  blood  !     Where  be  this  renegade  ? 

Drag  him  before  us,  that  our  stringent  laws' 

Severest  penalties  be  put  upon  him  ! 

Cedo; 

My  lord,  since  yesternight  have  I  not  seen 
Nor  known  his  whereabouts;  at  that  fell  time, 
He  being  then  in  danger  of  his  life, 
Inside  my  lower  chamber  refuge  took, 
Then  as  mysteriously  disappeared 
As  you  arrived;  since  neither  your  lordship 
Entering  the  gates  nor  he  departing, 
Our  vigilant  gate-keepers  knoweth  of. 

Duke. 

Now  by  my  soul  this  muddle  vexes  me  ! 
Please  you  explain  wherefrom  acquired  you 
The  right  this  roof  to  hold  in  readiness 
As  an  asylum  with  free  harborage 
For  such  law-breaking  refugees  ? 

Cedo.  My  lord, 

Methinks  I  acted  in  authority; 

Since,  by  thy  latest  admonition,  I 

Was  unreservedly  to  tender  him 

All  homage,  duty  and  obeisancy, 

Whose  hand  was  graced  by  thy  signet  ring. 


60  DUCAL      HAPS 

Duke. 

Now  by  my  hopes  of  future  life,  I  swear 

The  ring  hath  never  left  my  finger  ! — Some 

Hallucination  tenanted  thy  brain 

Or  slick  impostor  with  a  counterfeit 

Hath  gulled  thee  to  this  false  conclusion;  Go, 

And  ferret  out  this  cheat !     Bring  hither  straight 

The  foul  rogue,  so  we  may  administer 

Our  law's  most  rig'rous  punishment ! 

Cedo.  My  lord  !— 

Duke  {aside.) 

{Friend  Cedo,  mark  me  not,  I  do  but  chaff,)  {Exit  Cedo.) 

There  being  many  present  well  informed 
Upon  this  case,  it  were  advisable, 
The  best  enlightener  diffuse  his  views 
To  form  a  guidance  for  our  present  acts. 

Barto. 
Your  grace,  it  is  my  bounden  duty  to 
Advise  you,  as  a  prime  expedient, 
To  call  M.  Farriet;  by  him  may  you 
Be  best  instructed. 

Duke.  Thy  proposal  seems 

Right  eminently  fit.     {to  officers) 

Hence,  to  his  home 
Bid  him  attend  on  us  ! 

Andreas.  My  lord,  no  need 

To  seek  him  at  his  erstwhile  home,  for  he, 
Distracted  by  thy  minion  Delmot's  acts 
And  ills  resultant,  hath  his  home  renounced, 
Abjured  all  rights  of  pardon  and  parades 
The  prison  corridor  with  ranting  speech, 
Beseeching  for  a  new  commitment,  which 
Same  document,  being  unfurnished  with, 
The  jailer  stays  him  out  the  prison  walls. 

Duke. 
Go  lead  him  here  !     {To  officers)   ■ 

Great  must  his  suff'ring  be 
Thus  to  unman  him. 

Barto.  Save  your  grace,  i!  would 

Your  eyes  had  witnessed  his  degrading,  'twas 
A  most  barbaric  act; — When  Farriet 
With  tott'ring  step  and  palsied  limbs, 
Strove  valiantly  his  honor  to  defend 
'Gainst  this  bloodthirsty  wretch  Delmot. 


DUCAIv      HAPS  6 1 

Duke.  My  lords, 

By  present  observations,  it  appears 
This  Delmot  is  a  veritable  fiend, 
Whose  fell  career  if  it  be  not  estopped, 
May  presently  depopulate  our  court. 

Andreas. 

But  for  the  fear  of  capture  (true,  your  grace,) 
He  had  indeed  cut  off  thy  fondest  friends, 
Who  humbled  now  before  thee,  justice  beg. 

Duke. 

Why,  'tis  an  honest  plea;  All  men  who  plead 
For  simple  justice,  ask  their  due, — no  more; 
Methought  thy  royal  standings  (prompting)  might 
Induce  thy  seeking  more  than  equity. 
Injustice  there's  no  surfeit;  Right  with  right — 
And  wrong  with  wrong  hold  equipoise;  As  ye 
But  ask  me  use  the  Godess'  steel}  ards,  I 

{Enter  Farriet,  led  in  by  officers.} 
Will  justly  act  the  weigher !     See,  who  comes  ? 
Defer  !  'Tis  Farriet !  in  proper  time, 
This  discourse  we'll  renew.     Thou  craz'd  old  man  ! 
Sufficed  it  not  we  pardoned  thee  thy  life, 
But  thou  straightway  must  use  it  'gainst  our  peace  ? 
Why  stay'st  thou  not  within  thy  proper  bound? 

Farriet. 

Aye,  let  the  query  stand  !     Do  but  reverse 

The  source  of  answer  and  give  me  reply, 

Why  'yond  thy  customary  legal  pale 

Thou  makest  in  mine  own  especial  case 

Such  strange  departures?     True,  thou  gav'st  me  life, 

For  it  (unwittingly)  I  tendered  thanks 

The  which  into  entreaties  I  now  change 

That  thou  absolv'st  thyself  from  lenity 

And  bid  the  hangman  to  his  duty  straight ! 

Duke. 

Old  man,  it  seemeth  wasted  charity 
To  help  one  so  devoid  of  rectitude  ! 
Thou  need'st  religion,  not  a  halter. 

Farriet. 

Your  grace,  I  bid  you  well  attend  my  speech, — 
To  moralize  (when  happy)  earns  no  grace, 
But  when  adversity  and  discontent, 


62  DUCAL      HAPS 

With  subtle,  hellish  brunt  environ  us, 
'Tis  then  upon  the  gentle,  patient  brow 
The  heavenly  halo  sits  !  'Tis  gospel  truth, 
In  morals,  angels  rather  love  one  pupil  apt, 
Than  twenty  teachers  hypocritical ! 
Most  cruelly  dost  thou  with  wicked  acts 
Afflict  me  and  my  poor  belongings,  then 
As  readily  with  pious  tongue,  bid  me 
To  patiently  maintain  a  godly  guise; 
This  can  I  not — My  lord — I  crave  the  law  ! 

Duke. 
Beware  thy  tongue,  lest  thou  get'st  law  galore  ! 
Dost  realize  'gainst  whom  thou  dost  inveigh  ? 

Farriet. 

Full  well,  your  grace,  a  mighty  potentate, 
Who,  having  option  o'er  a  culprit's  fate, 
Did  grant  him  life  to  form  a  means  whereby 
His  worse  than  death  might  latterly  result ! 
All  this  now  consummate — My  home  debauch'd — 
My  child  (who  might  have  wedded  royalty) 
By  thy  confederate  Delmot  enthralPd, — 
I  beg  (who  never  yet  was  prone  to  beg,) 
A  speedy  death  ! 

Duke.  Hold  Farriet !     Thou  say'st 

Thy  daughter  could  (an  she  be  so  inclined) 
Mate  one  of  royal  blood;  Apprise  us  now 
Who  may  this  noble  be  ? 

BarTo.  A  n't  please  your  grace, 

Most  earnestly  and  urgently  did  I 
To  her  make  tender  of  my  heart  and  name; 
The  which  refusing  flat  for  this  Delmot, 
Hath  well  discovered  his  unearthly  pow'r, 
Wherefrom  are  all  these  sad  haps  emanant. 

Duke. 

Stand  ye  aside  !     This  Delmot  must  be  found 
And  mischief  of  his  making  be  undone  ! 

{Enter  Cedo,  followed  by  Blanche  and  Adelaide.) 
In  proper  time  !     Bring  you  the  recreant  ? 

Cedo. 

Your  grace,  I  think  he  be  immortal  sure  ! 
Late  yesternight  (I'll  solemnly  affirm,) 


DUCAL      HAPS  63 


I  did  ensconce  him  in  my  lower  room, 

Wherein  mine  eyes,  in  searching,  find  no  trace; 

He  through  the  floor  or  ceiling  egress  made, 

Or  by  unnatural  evanishment; 

This  overcoat,  the  only  vestige  left, 

Which  late  he  had  upon  his  back, 

I  found  in  careless  pile  upon  the  floor. 

Blanche. 

Is  this  indeed  his  garment  ?    Give  it  me; — 
A  sweet  memento,  treasured  dear  !     That  I 
May  consecrate  it  as  a  prayer  mat, 
Whereon  my  ceaseless  orisons  to  breathe 
For  his  prosperity  and  safe  return. 

Duke. 

Who  is  this  fro  ward  begging  hussy  here  ? 
It  seems  we  have  no  courtly  ceremonials, 
Since  any  may  approach  us  on  the  run  ! 

Cedo. 

My  lord,  I  humbly  beg  your  pardon,  she 
(Whose  griefs  unbearable  impelled  her  speech) 
Is  daughter  to  M.  Farriet. 

Farriet.  No  !  No  ! 

I  have  no  progeny  !     Time  was  when  I 

A  child  quiescent  to  my  lightest  wish, 

I  imagined  I  was  father  to;  (Alack  ! 

For  parents'  fond  delusions,)  I  mistook,— 

Her  duty  was  to  me,  when  not  athwart 

Her  own  set  will; — Your  grace,  I  have  no  child. 

Duke. 

Perverse  young  woman:  See  thy  father's  plight, 
Go  bid  him  joy  in  thy  obedience  ! 
Have  sense  !  Look  where  the  noble  JSarto  stands 
With  fortune,  heart-and  hand  awaiting  thee. 

Blanche.    (To  Duke.) 

Oh,  think  me  not  unfilial,  your  grace, 
In  all  things  else  am  I  most  dutiful; 
Believe  me,  father,  I  do  love  thee  as 
I  love  my  angel  mother;  Turn  not  so, 
Still  in  thy  fond  affections  hold  me  dear; 
Please,  father,  give  me  blessing  ! 

Farriet.  Hence  !     Begone  ! 

I'll  none  of  thee. 


64  DUCAL      HAPS 

Barto.  Sweet  Mistress  Blanche,  give  heed 

To  my  proposals,  be  mine  honored  wife 
And  thus  thy  father's  joy  forever  be. 

Blanche. 
Away  !     Attaint  me  not  with  thy  lewd  touch  ! 

Duke. 
Erratic  child  !  Take  counsel  of  thy  sire, 
Be  you  by  him  directed;  well  you  know 
His  teachings  ever  were  with  wisdom  fraught. 

Blanche. 
Most  noble  lord,  methought  on  ent'ring  here, 
My  tongue  let  loose  in  pleading  for  Delmot, 
Had  by  its  eloquent  persuading  won, 
In  his  behalf,  thy  gracious  favor;  Now, 
When  I,  (with  thee,)  essay  to  strive  for  him, 
Speech  fails,  my  tongue  obeys  me  not;  My  lord, 
I  beg  indulgence  'gainst  thy  courtly  rites, 
Permit  me  (sidewise  turned)  address  thine  ear, 
Since  I,  God  help,  when  suing  for  Delmot, 
With  manners  feat  cannot  straight  face  your  grace. 

Duke. 
Is  it  so  bad,  you  needs  must  turn  in  shame  ? 

Blanche. 
No,  no  !  your  grace,  mine  is  a  sinless  shame  ! 
Abashed  modesty's  unwilling  blush, 
That  now  commands  me  from  a  brazen  eye; 
Believe  me,  when  to  thee  for  him  I  plead, 
Methinks,  most  selfishly,  I  plead  for  thee. 

Duke. 

If  all  be  not  demented,  this  Delmot 

Is  surely  a  magician  !     Bring  his  robe  ! 

I'll  try  the  wizard's  magic  vestment  on 

And  do  a  turn  in  necromancy; — here 

{Puts  on  cloak  and  wig.) 

Enfold  me  Cedo; — 'tis  a  perfect  fit, 

Why  one  not  wise  would  think  'twere  made  for  me; 

Doth  it  become  me,  think  you  worthy  lords? 

(All  stand  in  amazement  and  with  profound  courtesies,  exclaim, 
"Delmot,  the  Duke/'''  Blanche  holds  out  her  arms  beseech- 
ingly ^  then  Jails  despairingly  into  Adelaide's  embrace.) 

Duke. 
In  happy  time  my  loved  one,  I'll  first 
On  these  satanic  malefactors  spend 
Mine  evil  parts,  so  naught  but  good  remains ! 


DUCAL      HAPS  65 

BARTO. 
Most  gracious  Prince,  it  ill  becomes  me  to 
Approach  thee  with  a  genuflecting  knee, 
Since  in  thy  grace's  estimation  I 
Rank  lowest  of  the  low,  yet  will  I  beg 
Thou  savest  me  from  a  noble  Roman's  death, 
And  forthwith  send  me  to  the  hangman. 

Andreas. 

Your  grace,  I  humbly  beg  his  plea  be  mine, 
To  quickly  grant  me  speedy  death. 

Duke.  Not  I— 

Thy  fate  rests  in  the  disposition  of 

Thy  victim,  Farriet,  in  him  behold 

Thy  jury,  judge  and  executioner ! 

Come  jail  the  knaves:     Guard  well,  and  see  to  it 

They  find  not  happiness  in  suicide  ! 

Now  Farriet,  I'll  ask  a  boon  of  thee. 

{Exeunt  Barto,  Andreas,  Cedo,  courtiers,  guards,  etc.) 

Farriet. 

Your  grace,  I  pray  you  mock  me  not !     I  am 
Humiliated  so  I  dare  not  face 
My  fellow  men — 

Duke.  No  more  of  that,  old  friend; 

A  short  time  since  I  made  request  of  thee 
(In  matrimonial  way)  thy  daughter's  haud, 
A  fond  renewal  this,  my  present  plea; 
I  pray  thy  answer  now  be  changed. 

Farriet.  I  have 

Been  somewhat  too  familiar  with  your  grace; — 
Unwittingly  I  then  denied  thee  what 
I  held  some  loving  jurisdiction  o'er, 
But  now,  alas,  when  I  would  fain  oblige, 
Mine  act  unnatural  doth  thwart  my  will, 
Your  grace,  I  have  no  child  to  give  ! 

{Enter  Cedo,  who  seems  to  converse  with  Ada.) 

Blanche.  O,  Sire  ! 

Withdraw  those  cruel  words,  and  bid  me  nestle  in 

Thy  fatherly  embrace  !  (Farriet  embraces  Blanche.) 

(Duke  gently  strives  to  draw  her  to  him. ) 

Nay  hold  me  close !     ( To  Farriet. ) 


66  DUCAL      HAPS 

Pray  let's  begone;  This  pleasant  agony 
May  yet  unseat  my  wits. 

(Duke  draws  Blanche  under  his  left  arm  and  with  his  right 
-    extracts  papers  from  his  pocket.) 

Duke.  Oh  no,  my  sweet, 

Ere  you  depart,  for  thine  own  private  ear 
I  have  an  ancient  tale,  that's  always  new, — 
While  in  recital,  look  you  well  on  these: 

{Passes papers  to  Farriet.) 
Therein  you'll  find  a  true  succinct  account 
Of  devilish  plots  by  Barto  and  Andreas, 
To  wreck  the  sweet  alliance  holy  of 
A  good  contented  family;  Scan  well ! 
And,  by  my  princely  honor  I  affirm 
What'er  thy  findings  be,  thy  verdict  will 
Minutely  foretell  consumnation. 

Farriet.  Thanks. 

(Farriet  retires  and  reads  papers.) 
Duke. 

And  now,  my  sweet,  wilt  thou  now  overlook 
The  crucial  tests  my  all  absorbing  love 
Hath  given  thee  and  seek  thy  haven  here 
In  husband's  loving  arms  !     As  I  won  thee 
In  this  uncomely  coat — 

Blanche.  That  did  ye  not, 

As  I  of  late  confessed;  'Twas  in  thy  robe 
Of  ducal  power  that  my  he-trt  was  won. 

Duke. 

Then  thus  I  doff  this  sometime  useful  rag, 
To  clothe  me  to  thy  pristine  love ! 

{Divests  himself  of  coat,  etc. ) 
Blanche.  My  lord, 

I  am  beside  myself!    pray  let  me  go  ! 
Thy  greatness  overwhelms  me  ! 

Duke.  Nay,  my  love. 

No  royal  greatness  o'ertops  purity. 
A  woman  true  is  mate  for  any  king  ! 

(  They  retire.     Adelaide  and  Cedo  come  forward,  both  gazing 
after  the  Duke  and  Blanche.  ) 

Cedo. 
My,  how  those  doves  now  pine  for  company. 


DUCAI,      HAPS  67 

Ada.. 
As  undertakers  yearn  for  healthy  friends. 

Cedo. 
Mark  how  his  dignity  is  lost  in  love — 

Ada. 
I  would  thou  hads't  some  dignity  to  lose. 

Cedo.     I  hope  thou  art  not  getting  choleric; 
A  bogus  ducat  for  thy  feelings  love  ? 

Ada. 

Know  then,  I  feel  as  illconditioned  as 
A  dainty  stomach  with  an  empty  purse; 
For  I  am  faint,  yet  have  the  wherewithal 
To  buy  the  market's  finest  delicates. 

Cedo. 

My  love,  thou  woulds't  not  have  the  honeymoon 
Before  the  ringing  of  the  marriage  bells? 
And  neither  maid  nor  wife  nor  widow  be 
A  standing  guy  for  pious  charity. 

Ada. 

'Tis  coarse, — 'Tis  poetry,  which  at  its  best 
Is  naught  but  erudite  lunatic  thought;— 
'Tis  ancient,  antedating  iE^sop's  tales; — 
Antiquity  evolves  sublimity — 
Therefore  sublime, — 'Tis  said,  "  'Tis  but  a  step 
From  the  sublime  to  the  ridiculous." 

Cedo. 

Now  by  my  heart  consuming  love,  I'll  take 

That  vital  step  and  folly's  wisdom  shake !  {Steps  up  to  Ada.) 

Capitulate  !  or  by  my  love ,  I  swear  ! 

No  bridal  vesture  of  my  choice  you'll  wear  ! 

Come  now,  my  love,  thy  lips  armistice  claim, 

Thy  cute  dissembling  acts  deny  in  vain; 

Sweet  love,  thy  lips;  no  more  hostility, 

We'll  wear  out  life  in  love's  tranquility. 

(Cedo  and  Adelaide  retire.) 
{Forward  Duke,  Farriet  and  Blanche  ) 

Duke. 
Good  father  Farriet,  art  yet  resolved 
On  sentence  holding  fitting  punishment 


68  DUCAL      HAPS 

For  thy-  most  heartless  persecutors  here  ? 
Be  you  assured,  no  sentence  so  severe. 
No  penalty  so  harsh,  but  what  we  will  give 
Immediate  order  for  its  execution  ! 

Farribt. 

Most  gracious  prince  !     I  humbly  tender  thanks; 

From  information  writ,  it  doth  appear, 

Lords  Barto  and  Andreas  do  well  deserve 

A  heavy  punishment;  Time  was,  your  grace, 

(Not  long  since  gone,)  when  I,  with  spiteful  tongue, 

Had  cried  them  to  the  whipping  post  and  then 

Had  found  a  pleasure  in  their  hanging;  Now 

The  gilded  dross  of  carnal  thought  hath  been 

Transmuted  to  the  purest  gold  !     I  have 

No  plaint  'gainst  any  man;  The  Lord  hath  said — 

"Vengeance  is  mine  !"     Let  them  with  Him  abide. 

Duke. 

As  thou  quot'st  holy  scripture,  so  will  I, — 
"A  tooth  for  a  tooth,  an  eye  for  an  eye;" 
Our  duty  straight  is  plainly  here  set  torth, 
No  lesser  punishment  will  fit  their  case, 
Than  that  they  now  be  publicly  disgraced, 
And  then  forever  banished  our  domain  ! 

Farriet. 
Your  grace,  'tis  rather  stern,  yet  suites  me  well. 
(Duke,  Farriet  and  Blanche  seem  to  consult  about  contents  of 

paper.    Forward  Cedo  and  Adelaide  who  converse  in  low 

tones. ) 

Cedo. 

In  love,  the  seconds  into  minutes  turn, 
The  minutes  into  hours,  hours  to  days, 
And  days  into  interminable  years, 
When  on  the  tenter-hooks  of  lapsing  time 
Between  affiance  and  the  marriage  rite  ! 

Ada. 

Why,  Cedo,  how  thy  love  doth  grow  apace  ! 
Anon  thou'lt  have  me  breaking  customs,  which 
Forbid  me  expedite  the  nuptial  knot ! 
I  prithee,  patience  now,  and  bide  the  time 
(But  six  days  hence,)  when  at  the  altar  we 
Will  plight  an  everlasting  troth. 


DUCAL      HAPS  69 

Cedo.  (very loudly}  No!  No! 

'Twould  seem  indecent  haste  to  wed  to-day  ! 
I  pray  (as  savior  for  thy  modesty) 
Thou  stay'st  the  time  awhile  'tween  wedding  and 
Our  unannounced  bans !     Be  patient,  girl ! 
Incessantly  henceforth  I'll  fondle  thee 
And  swiftly  glide  the  grudged  interim. 

Ada. 
Why,  thou  dissembler  !     Friends,  he  hath  but  now 
For  his  exhausted  lungs,  recovered  breath, 
Spent  in  imploring  me  to  lop  the  time, 
Whose  non-existing  brevity  he  now  condemns. 

Duke. 
Right  well  we  know,  friend  Cedo  did  but  jest; 
Yet  lurking  in  his  banter,  deftly  wrought, 
Were  supplications  cutely  manifest, 
That  goad  us  to  the  blest  arcadia  sought 
By  all  true  lovers;  Lady  loves,  are  you 
Content  all  other  maidens  to  outdo, 
By  waving  trite  conventionalities 
And  with  us  to  the  priest,  thus  to  appease 
Thy  famished  swain  ? 

Ada.  Well,  Blanche,  what  say  you  then, 

Shall  we  oblige  these  fond,  impatient  men  ? 

BLANCHE. 

Sweet  Ada,  I'm  afraid  if  we  deny 

(Judged  by  thy  Cedo's  sighing,)  both  would  die. 

Duke. 
Beseech  you,  then,  revive  our  waning  lives, 
Becoming  presently  our  loving  wives. 

Farriet. 
Their  silence  with  consent  now  blended, 
Announces  clear,  our  play  is  ended. 
All  dramas  should  a  moral  show, 
And  ours,  too  palpable,  I  trow 
Hath  taught,  that  in  combat  with  sin, 
Virtue  triumphantly  will  win. 
As  for  the  actors,  let  each  say 
The  which  wit  prompts  about  the  play. 

Cedo.     To  please  you  we  have  striven  hard, 

Ada.    Though  we've  but  spoken  by  the  card; 

Blanche.     We  trust  our  efforts,  were  not  vain, 


-dj^ajnume;.     we  trust  our  enorts.weren 
Duke.     And  hope  to  see  you  all  again. 


YB   14529 


.. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


